BEIRUT: Lebanon was ranked for the at 89 out of 142 in the Global Competitiveness Ranking, up three places from last year. Lebanon’s ranking is ahead of Egypt (94th), Syria (98th) and Yemen (138th), but behind most other Arab countries. The highest ranked Arab country was Qatar at 14th, with Saudi Arabia not far behind at 17th.

An initial look at the results shows that Lebanon edges higher on the overall ranking (three places up). It ranks well in assessments of health and primary education, higher education and training, financial market development and business sophistication. Average ranking is achieved in technological readiness for instance.

Finally, the lowest rankings are in infrastructure, macroeconomic stability, the supporting institutional environment and innovation.

Robert Fadel, president of Bader, welcomed the report. “It is important to keep on assessing our competitiveness to gain insight on what is done well and what is not. Increased competitiveness will translate for Lebanon into more growth, more job creation and more companies being able to compete at the international level. We notice that while Lebanon has gained a few places in the ranking, compared to other countries it is losing competitiveness. Now more than ever, we need to focus on policies that would increase Lebanon’s competitiveness. As such, we look forward to working … to build from these foundations.”