The Heritage Foundation released today its 2017 Report on the Index of Economic Freedom, rating Macao’s economy as “mostly free” for the ninth consecutive year. The SAR’s overall score of economic freedom is 70.7, well above the world and regional averages, making its economy the 32ndfreest among 180 economies. In the Asia-Pacific region, Macao is ranked 8th out of 43 economies, up one place from a year ago, just behind Hong Kong, Singapore, New Zealand, Australia, Chinese Taiwan, South Korea and Malaysia.
Based on 12 attributes, the Report assesses the degree of economic freedom of individual economies around the world. Macao receives relatively high score in attributes such as fiscal health, government spending, trade freedom, investment freedom, tax burden, monetary freedom and financial freedom.
The Foundation’s 2017 Report says that as a free port, Macao has long benefited from global trade and investment. The entrepreneurial environment is generally efficient and streamlined, and property rights are generally well respected. Taxation is low and relatively efficient. Since opening up the gaming industry in 2002, Macao has attracted more foreign investment.
