Singapore is the most developed country in South East Asia, with a GNP per capita that is higher than in most Western countries. The strategic location in Asia, transparent laws and rules, an excellent infrastructure and the hardworking and educated workforce have helped to establish Singapore as a financial and commercial centre. Singapore consistently scores well in global and regional rankings for factors that matter to businesses. In the annual Global Competitiveness Report from the World Economic Forum, Singapore has reached second place in the annual ranking of the world's most competitive economies. Singapore also has the best protection of intellectual property in Asia. Singapore is the least bureaucratic place for doing business in Asia and often the first choice for expatriates in Asia. There are many useful guides on how to penetrate the Singaporean market and the links to the right on this page could be used as an introduction.(Last updated 28 Sept 2011)