adminGlobal Connectedness Index, launched in 2005, ranks 140 countries according to the depth and breadth of their integration into the world economy.
The index is a detailed analysis of international flow of trade, capital, information and migration and also measures connectedness at the global, regional and industry levels.
It also features policy analysis aimed at helping countries capture more benefits of global connectedness.
Other African countries to rank higher than Zimbabwe include Mauritius which ranked 40th, South Africa is in 48th position, Angola is 90th while Madagascar and Namibia take 107th and 109th positions respectively.
Zimbabwe’s top export destinations include South Africa accounting for 54 percent of exports, the United Arab Emirates 10 percent and China 7 percent of Zimbabwe’s exports.
Major export products shipped by Harare include platinum, cotton, tobacco, gold and ferroalloys.
The index rates Holland as the world’s most connected country followed by Singapore and Luxembourg in second place.
Burundi is the world’s least connected country with the Central African Republic coming second from last.
However, the main finding of the report is that global connectiveness has declined over the years.
Analysts, however, contend that Zimbabwe is destined to gain more ground due to renewed interest in the country.
“We have seen a number of airlines returning indicating that they have confidence in the country which is a very good sign.
“The coming in of Emirates and KLM gives us leverage because these are airlines that have a huge route network and as such can facilitate easy access to Zimbabwe from virtually any part of the world.
“This increased air traffic flow also puts Zimbabwe on the map because as these airlines sell their destination they also factor Zimbabwe in their brochures,” said one of the analysts.
Other analysts believe that the opening up of trade in Zimbabwean diamonds will also help increase investment inflows into the country. — Business Reporter/New Ziana.
leeroy
Online Reporter