Qatar ranked ( 19 ) out of (60) countries mostly high income countries in the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014. Despite a lower rank than achieved last year (10), this year’s assessment confirms Qatar’s strong performance across multiple fronts.   The assessment is based on a range of statistical indicators and opinions polled from local business leaders, giving a rounded view of the economy’s competitive position. Areas where Qatar ranked highly in the report included: economic performance ( 2 ), government efficiency (5 ) and business efficiency ( 24) . Scope for improvement was identified in some areas, including infrastructure ( 42 ). The ranking has been positively influenced by a number of factors including: strong economic performance as represented by surplus in the current account and the trade balance , Qatar’s low unemployment rate , and solid growth of GDP and per capita GDP . Other contributing factors were a strong surplus in the general budget and its proportion to GDP, transparency , and efficient financial management .  On the other hand, there are some areas where the report suggests there are opportunities for Qatar to improve its performance. These include lowering export concentration by product and partner, strengthening direct inward investment flows, lowering regulatory burdens on business start-ups, increasing female labour force participation, strengthening high-tech exports and the share of renewables in total energy requirements. His Excellency the Minister of Development Planning & Statistics, Dr. Saleh Al Nabit , welcomed the findings of the report, stating that, “these results confirm that our overall performance is satisfactory and they will certainly help us to identify those areas where we need to consolidate gains and make further improvements”. He added that, “Qatar’s National Development Strategy sets out clear targets in the areas of business regulation, economic infrastructure, and private sector development that will lead to future advances. Qatar has no option but to diversify its economy. If it is to achieve this, we must continuously working to increase efficiency and productivity and improve our international competitiveness. These results show us where we need to redouble our efforts and improve further. The IMD findings will be carefully studied and, along with other evidence, will help us sharpen our efforts to bolster our economy further.”  The assessment of Qatar’s competitiveness in IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2014 is a collaborative effort of IMD and the Ministry of Development Planning and Statistics. The State of Qatar has been contributed to the IMD Competitiveness Yearbook for 6th time.