UAE leads region in capital access index

Abu Dhabi, May 5 2010 (WAM)- For the third year in a row, the UAE has emerged as the regional leader in the Milken Institute Capital Access Index, an annual ranking of entrepreneurial access to capital around the world according to a report in "Emirates Business."
The UAE is ranked 22nd globally out of 122 countries on six continents analysed by The 2009 Capital Access Index, which captures the data and analysis of the global capital markets in the previous year, during one of the worst credit crunches for businesses. The index helps businesses and entrepreneurs discern which countries' capital markets have the most breadth, depth and vitality.
The index is based on an evaluation of seven parameters: macroeconomic environment, institutional environment, financial and banking institutions, equity market development, bond market development, alternative sources of capital and international funding.
Canada leads the overall global rankings, followed by Hong Kong, the UK, Singapore and the US. The fact the UAE has maintained its position among the top 25 in the index and as a regional leader despite a very difficult year highlights the fundamental strength of the country's economy, and its capital and financial markets.
The UAE scores well on the "macroeconomic environment" parameter, which captures the extent to which a country's macroeconomic environment is conducive to business. The UAE is ranked No4 globally on this parameter, after Hong Kong, Canada and Singapore. The country also fares well on the "alternative sources of capital" parameter, which measures the use of alternative financing tools.
The UAE is ranked No14 globally on this parameter.