Screeshot of Best Countries to Start a Business list in the official website of U.S. News & World Report. (Photo: usnews.com)

Bangkok (People's Daily)-Thailand topped the list of “Best Countries to Start a Business,” according to the 2018 Best Countries rankings issued by U.S. News & World Report on Tuesday.

This is the second straight year that Thailand has topped the list.

More than 21,000 respondents from 36 countries participated in the survey.

Of all participants, around 6,000 are business people. Thailand scored highest in affordability, bureaucracy, manufacturing costs, connected to the rest of the world, and easy access to capital, the magazine said.

Thailand’s key to success is its ability to streamline registering procedures which enhances the environment of business and investment for foreign investors and attracts more investors to Thailand, Mr. Sontirat Sontijirawong, Thailand’s Minister of Commerce, said.

Thailand is also listed among the top 10 in multiple areas.

“More foreign investments in Thailand contribute to Thailand’s importance to the world economy,” Chokedee, deputy secretary general of The Board of Investment of Thailand, told People’s Daily.

“Lower costs for starting a business and a favorable environment for doing business attract more investors from Europe, Asia as well as the Americas.” he added.