According to a recent report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), Qatar has been ranked as the country with the biggest improvement in the business environment index in the MENA region. The report assesses the improvement in business environment indices of countries and regions over a four-year period, with Qatar showing a 0.93 change in score from 2019–23 to 2024–28. The country’s most improving category was financing, leading it to be the fifth most improved country in the rankings. The EIU’s business environment index evaluates which economies are better placed for growth by considering 91 indicators spread across 11 different categories.
Topping the list of the most improved countries is Greece, with a change in score of 1.38, followed by Argentina at 1.32. India (1.08) and Angola (1.01) joined Qatar in completing the top-five list. Qatar’s improved business environment has been attributed to the country’s $220bn investment programme over the past decade, which has focused mainly on infrastructure. The expansion of Hamad International Airport, the road network, and tourism infrastructure have contributed to Qatar’s increased attractiveness for doing business.
Qatar and India are predicted to continue growing strongly, with significant policy improvements, infrastructure investments, and growth in market opportunities expected in these countries. Minister of Finance, H E Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari, highlighted that Qatar is focusing on economic diversification, with logistics, ICT, manufacturing, and tourism being the major driving sectors. The country aims to enable the private sector through policy changes, ease of doing business, and the development of human capital, health, education, technology, environment, and sustainability. The financial sector is expected to play a crucial role in achieving these goals.
As Qatar embarks on the last phase of its journey towards the 2030 vision, the focus is on creating national champions and building the country’s brand. The EIU report noted that Greece’s significant improvement in the business environment index is attributed to a pro-business government that has undertaken reforms, cut taxes, and boosted business confidence. Qatar’s commitment to economic diversification and improving its business environment is expected to continue attracting investors and driving growth in key sectors such as logistics, ICT, manufacturing, and tourism.
