The World Economic Forum’s (WEF) new Six Connectivities Index 2021 measures the connectivity of 22 Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cities and identified 5 as being the best connected, enhancing mobility of goods and people. Singapore and Shanghai took the top two spots, followed by Beijing, Bangkok and Seoul.
1. Singapore
Singapore’s strong shipping capacity, sound cross-border trade and tariff policies, high openness to foreign capital, and forward-looking digital strategy, won the world in the Six Connectivities, according to the WEF. The Singapore government began to highlight the strategic importance of information technology and its vision for a Smart Nation initiative in 1992. Three decades later, it ranks first in Asia for its world-beating digital infrastructure.
2. Shanghai
As one of the most populous cities in the world and a centre of international economy, finance, trade, shipping and technology innovation, Shanghai has a strong connectivity, ranking second on Six Connectivities. Notably, China’s biggest city is now attempting to bolster its financial integration by improving foreign investment policies and building a cluster of global headquarters in the city. It is also improving its overall financial market system and resource allocation, strengthening the trade environment and building on the city’s existing status as a centre of international trade.
3. Beijing
Beijing, in third place, gained the highest score for policy coordination and the third highest score for unimpeded trade and information connection. As an international exchange hub of the BRI, Beijing promotes policy coordination for bilateral state cooperation, and holds the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation. Multiple China–Russia and China–Africa cooperation agreements have been negotiated and signed in Beijing.
4. Bangkok
Bangkok ranked fourth overall and gained the highest score in closer people-to-people ties. As Thailand’s capital and largest city, Bangkok topped the rankings of global tourism destinations for four consecutive years thanks to its advantageous geographical location and pleasant natural environment. Most foreign tourists to Bangkok are from China, followed by Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Bangkok also actively hosts political and economic events related to the BRI, with the largest number of forums and summits held in selected international cities.
5. Seoul
Seoul ranked fifth overall and for policy coordination, and second for financial integration. Politically, Seoul has signed “sister city” agreements with a number of countries to strengthen its economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation. The South Korea capital has proactively joined a number of international cooperation organizations on climate, history and culture, and holds several international summits. Economically, Seoul accounts for more than 55% of the foreign direct investment flowing to and from South Korea, which lays the foundation for the country’s business operations.
