In the list released this week, Portugal has risen six places to 33rd since last year and a total of 13 places the past five years.
According to researchers, Portugal’s upsurge is due to growth in economic activities paired with a positive turn in perceptions about institutional efficiency including greater governmental transparency.
The top five most competitive economies remain the same as the previous year but their order changes.
The United States returns to number 1, followed by Hong Kong, Singapore, the Netherlands and Switzerland.
The return of the United States to the top is said to have been driven by its strength in economic performance and infrastructure. Hong Kong takes a somewhat different approach exploiting its government efficiency and business efficiency.