China a keystone in the Brics wall

China and South Africa are seen to be the most competitive Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) nations in the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Competitiveness Report 2011-2012. Both moved up the rankings – China by one place from 27th to 26th, and South Africa from 54th to 50th. Brazil (53rd) also moved upward, while India (56th) and Russia (66th) experienced small declines. The most problematic factors for doing business in China identified by the report are inflation, access to financing, inefficient government bureaucracy, policy instability, corruption and inadequate infrastructure. For Chinese and other companies wanting to do business in South Africa, the top six challenges are inefficient government bureaucracy, inadequately educated workforce, restrictive labour regulations, corruption, crime and theft, and inadequate supply of infrastructure.