Two major Chinese cities, Beijing and Shanghai, continued to perform strongly against “Economy” criteria, achieving respective rankings of 3rd and 5th as a result of their population size and GDP levels, and in terms of the number of the world’s top 500 companies with operations there. Shanghai also ranked 3rd in the category of “Accessibility”, due to the high number of passengers arriving or departing on domestic and international flights serving the city. Other Asian cities featuring in the rankings included Osaka (rated #26), Kuala Lumpur (#31), Bangkok (#33), Taipei (#36), Fukuoka (#37), Jakarta (#41), and Mumbai (#42).
“Singapore is a model for other emerging Asian cities,” commented Hiroo Ichikawa, Executive Director of The Mori Memorial Foundation. “Reflecting their recent economic growth, most Asian cities perform strongly in the categories of Economy and Accessibility, but they need to improve their ‘soft’ attractions to become truly magnetic cities,” he added.
Commented Shingo Tsuji, Director of The Mori Memorial Foundation and CEO of Mori Building, “Global players today are seeking cities not just with a strong business environment, but those additionally offering improved lifestyles: high quality residences, diverse cultural and retail facilities, a stress-free transportation network and a rich natural environment. For global cities to thrive, they need to maximize their strengths while overcoming weaknesses; this will help them to bolster their overall magnetic power and attract talent and investment from around the world.”
For more details, see http://www.mori-m-foundation.or.jp/english/ius2/gpci2/index.shtml
The Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies has published its GPCI report since 2007 to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of global cities amid intensifying competition. For more details, see www.mori-m-foundation.or.jp/english/aboutus2/index.shtml#about_strategies
