Global commercial information specialist D&B has published recent findings of its Global Risk Indicator (GRI), finding that Australia is considered one of the safest countries in which to invest.

 

Due to its relatively mild economic slowdown and projected economic growth, Australia placed in the two countries, sharing the highest investment ranking of this season (DB1d) with Canada, Norway and Switzerland.

 

The GRI assesses economic, commercial, external and political risk to assess 131 countries around the world, with the highest rating a DB1a.

 

Australia was the only country in the Asia Pacific region to secure the DB1d, ranking higher than Japan (DB2b), Hong Kong (DB2c) and New Zealand (DB2c).

 

According to Christine Christian, D&B's CEO, the latest rankings provide some very important reminders for Australian policy makers and the business community.

 

"The world is continuing to change at a rapid pace and although Australia is faring well compared to other nations we cannot afford to stand still," said Ms Christian.

 

"The latest GRI rankings show that Australia is a low risk environment for business investment. However to maintain strong trading relationships and attract foreign investment to our shores, we must at the very minimum, maintain our current rating.

 

"When the rest of the developed world recovers and returns to economic growth, global competition will intensify. To keep our position in the top four safest countries, Australia's regulators will need to ensure that their focus on reform and strong economic management continue.”