PETALING JAYA: Malaysia has climbed 11 spots in the World Competitiveness Ranking (WCR) 2025 to clinch the 23rd position among 69 economies, says the Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti).
Last year, Malaysia held the 34th spot in the annual ranking, which evaluates countries based on their ability to create and maintain a business-friendly environment that fosters long-term prosperity.
The report is published by the Switzerland-based Institute for Management Development.
“This ranking is the country’s best since 2020, reflecting the progressive momentum in Malaysia’s economic recovery and reform agenda, and reaffirming its trajectory towards becoming one of the world’s top 12 most competitive economies by 2033, as targeted under the Madani Economic framework,” Miti said in a statement yesterday.
It said economic performance, government and business efficiencies were the driving factors that drove the country’s overall competitiveness performance.
“Malaysia ranked fourth globally in Economic Performance, improving four spots from eighth place last year. Both Government Efficiency and Business Efficiency factors improved by eight positions.
“The International Trade sub-factor increased 11 places to sixth, supported by strong export growth in goods and services, diversified markets and rising tourism receipts, strengthening Malaysia’s trade surplus,” it said.
Miti is confident that with strong governance, continuous commitment from the federal and state governments, as well as close cooperation with the private sector, Malaysia is on the right path to position itself among the world’s 12 most competitive economies by 2033.
Commenting on this, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz (pic) said the improved ranking reflects how bureaucracy-related reforms are closely intertwined with facilitating robust investment and industrial growth – both critical for enhancing Malaysia’s attractiveness as a preferred investment destination.
“The government’s whole-of-government approach under the Madani framework also demonstrates its commitment to holistic structural reforms,” he said.
Miti, through the National Competitiveness Committee co-chaired with Finance Minister II Datuk Seri Amir Hamzah Azizan, coordinates the strategic direction across ministries to enhance Malaysia’s competitiveness.
At the operational level, the Special Task Force on Agency Reform – led by Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar – ensures effective implementation of competitiveness initiatives, including over 1,000 Reformasi Kerenah Birokrasi projects aligned to the Public Service Reform Agenda, the ministry added.
