According to the MasterCard Worldwide Centers of Commerce Index™, an annual research initiative designed to evaluate and rank how major cities compare in performing critical functions that connect markets and commerce around the world, London remains the global economy’s most influential city. The future, however, appears to belong to Asia and Eastern Europe, whose cities represent the fastest rising regions within the Index.

In overall rank, Shanghai had the largest jump – moving eight spots from 2007 to 2008 - bringing it into the top 25 of this year’s Index and demonstrating the growing importance of Asian cities to a progressively urbanized global economy. Moscow, a gateway for the fast-growing Eastern European region, showed the greatest improvement in actual Index score and had the most significant gain on London year-over-year. Further confirming the importance of Asia and Europe in the global economy, this year’s study also marks the displacement of Los Angeles from the top 10, making New York and Chicago the sole North American cities in the top grouping. The decline of Los Angeles in rank is due, in part, to factors around its role in the global financial services network, as well as the rise of European cities in the area of knowledge creation.

Walt Macnee, President, Global Markets, MasterCard Worldwide said, "The Centers of Commerce Index is a roadmap for corporations seeking a pathway to global presence in a world where cities, instead of nations, have become the primary economic players. The annual study once again delivers important insights into how the urban economic landscape is shifting, and, as we approach the end of the 21st century’s first decade, the growing importance of emerging cities, especially in Asia and Eastern Europe."

Dr. Michael Goldberg, Program Director, MasterCard Worldwide Centers of Commerce, points to Shanghai as a city on the path to global leadership. "Shanghai, which rose in its ranking to the number 24 position this year from number 32 last year, continues to leverage its historically strong position as the financial and logistical hub to Asia. Shanghai is well positioned to assume its place among the top three cities in the world within the next 15 to 20 years," said Goldberg. He adds, “It’s fascinating to note that the city whose score increased the most compared with London since last year is Moscow, followed by Singapore, Tel Aviv, Bogota and Mumbai – all cities in new or emerging markets – while no North American city advanced significantly in the Index this year".

These are the key findings:

When it comes to Asia, eight cities assume positions in the top 25 Centers of Commerce. These cities are Tokyo, Singapore, Seoul, Sydney, Hong Kong, Osaka, Taipei and Shanghai and confirm Asia’s prominent role in the global economy. Shanghai, among the world’s most populous and fastest-growing cities, moves into the top 25 from #32 in 2007. Bolstered by its economic stability, its legal and political framework, an increased quality of life and China’s booming economy, Shanghai demonstrates its importance to both Chinese and Asian economies as a global growth center.

Regarding Europe, London maintains its stronghold as the number one Center of Commerce.  With a strong and secure economy, vibrant financial markets and a legal and political framework that supports high levels of international trade, London again secures the top spot in the Centers of Commerce Index in 2008. The city significantly outperforms its rivals in most dimensions, with livability as the most prominent area for improvement when compared to other top cities. Madrid continues to be a financial leader, rising to the top five Centers of Commerce in Europe, whereas Amsterdam emerges as an important European city.  Moscow improves the most in actual Index score. This gain is reflective of Moscow’s rising economy and role as a source for key commodities in Eastern Europe. As the city with the most significant gain on London year-over-year, it demonstrates the rising role of Eastern Europe in the global economy.

When we have a closer look at Latin America, it turns out that Latin America continues to become more global and more competitive. Seven cities in Latin America placed among the top 75 Worldwide Centers of Commerce, with Santiago leading the region as a result of its strong business climate and stable legal and economic system. Sao Paulo also scores well and sits among the top 20 cities globally in terms of financial market volume. Bogota claims its position as on of the world’a top five advancing cities. Bogota’s stabilized economy and increased quality of life make this one of the cities to watch in Latin America.

Regarding the Middle East, a strong business climate makes Dubai the leader. As the region’s air and cargo traffic hubs, Dubai claims a flexible business climate that makes it optimal for growing companies. Dubai’s political and legal framework also makes it a compelling city for conducting global business in the Middle East.

With a look at North America, New York and Chicago maintain regional primacy. As the only two North American cities in the top 10 globally, both New York and Chicago benefit from strong financial markets and a strong U.S. business climate. Vancouver is the world’s most livable city. In addition to Vancouver, two other Canadian cities, Toronto and Montreal, also reside in the top 20 cities for livability, which evaluates personal freedom, climate, leisure activities and other quality-of-life factors. Los Angeles drops from top ten. The fall of Los Angeles to #17 in 2008, compared to #10 in 2007, is, in part, due to factors around its role in the global financial services network, as well as the rise of European cities in the area of knowledge creation. However, the city ranks #4 in the North American region behind New York, Chicago and Toronto.

If you are interested in the full report, it is available here.

Picture of the report © MasterCard Worldwide

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