OREANDA-NEWS. January 19, 2009. According to the rating annually published by the American "Heritage Foundation", Moldova ranks the 39th from 43 states.

The level of freedom of Moldovan economy is estimated at 54.9 points ("mostly non-free economy"), decreasing by 3 points as compared to the last year. The decline was mainly due to the reduction of the "labor freedom" and the "ownership rights".

The indicators of "monetary freedom" and "freedom from corruption" have also reduced. At the same time, according to the study, improvement in "tax", "entrepreneurial freedom" and "free trade", where Moldova is ahead of the world average, has been registered. In addition, it is noted that over the past five years, the country has achieved relatively stable economic growth.

The average tariff rate is low; tax rates are competitive, although facing significant non-tariff barriers. The study notes that Moldova has some institutional drawbacks, preventing business development. Indices of "monetary", "investment freedom" and "freedom from corruption" are low. It is noted that country suffers from high inflation and corruption, bureaucratic barriers and overstaffing of the public sector.

In the economic freedom rating Moldova is slightly behind Cote d'Ivoire, Gabon and Nigeria. The freest economies in the world are Hong Kong, followed by Singapore and Australia. U.S. ranks the 6th, UK – the 10th, Germany – 25th, China - 132, Russia -146. In 2007, Moldova ranked 81st, in 2008- 89th.