TIRANA, 10 March 2009 – In the latest reports of the World Economic Forum, Albania fared badly in terms of global and Western Balkans performance always competing with Bosnia and Herzegovina for the last place in the region. However, given the rankings and taking into consideration the current global economic crisis, Albania has slightly improved its positions compared to the previous year (2007-2008). The tables below show rankings for Western Balkans in 3 categories of Competitiveness: Economy; Tourism; Information & Technology
Table 1: Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index 2009 and 2008 comparisons
2009 2008
Country/Economy Rank/133 Score Rank/130
Croatia 34 4.54 34
Slovenia 35 4.53 36
Montenegro 52 4.29 59
Macedonia, FYR 80 3.81 83
Serbia 88 3.71 78
Albania 90 3.68 92
Bosnia & Herzegovina 107 3.44 105
The rankings are based on the Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index (TTCI), which measures the different regulatory and business-related issues that have been identified as levers for improving travel and tourism competitiveness in countries around the world.
This year’s report reflects the difficulties the industry currently faces, which must be overcome to ensure strong sectorial growth in the future.
Table 2: Global Competitiveness Index rankings and 2007-2008 comparisons
Country/Economy 2008-09 rank 2008-09 score 2007-08 rank
Slovenia 42 4.50 39
Croatia 61 4.22 57
Montenegro 65 4.11 82
Serbia 85 3.90 91
Macedonia, FYR 89 3.87 94
Bosnia&Herzegovina 107 3.56 106
Albania 108 3.55 109
The rankings are calculated from both publicly available data and the Executive Opinion Survey, a comprehensive annual survey conducted by the World Economic Forum together with its network of Partner Institutes (leading research institutes and business organizations) in the countries covered by the report. This year, over 12,000 business leaders were polled in a record 134 global economies. The survey is designed to capture a broad range of factors affecting an economy’s business climate. The report also includes comprehensive listings of the main strengths and weaknesses of countries, making it possible to identify key priorities for policy reform.
Table 3: The Networked Readiness Index 2007-2008 rankings
2007-2008 rank Country/ Economy Score
30 Slovenia 4.47
49 Croatia 4.06
83 Macedonia, FYR 3.49
95 BosniaHerzegovina 3.22
108 Albania 3.06
*Serbia & Montenegro were not ranked
Published for the seventh consecutive year with record coverage of 127 economies worldwide, the Report has become the world’s most comprehensive and authoritative international assessment of the impact of ICT on the development process and the competitiveness of nations.
