Istanbul top climber in business appeal: Report

ISTANBUL

Istanbul entered the Top 30 in AT Kearney’s latest index on the cities with the greatest global appeal. DAILY NEWS Photo

Istanbul recorded the biggest jump in Chicago-based consulting firm AT Kearney’s latest index on the cities with the greatest global appeal, rising to 28th from 37th.

New York and London topped the list, set to be officially released on April 15, for the fourth straight time, while Chinese capital Beijing continued its rise, coming 8th out of 84 municipalities, a jump from 14th two years ago and 12th in 2008.

Beijing’s standing rose even as record pollution emerged as a risk that may deter talent and investment, according to Bangkok Post. Exploiting its role as capital of the world’s second-biggest economy, the city passed Seoul and Singapore. The consultants cited growth in the number of international schools, broadband subscribers and museums in addition to increased international commerce.

“What we’ve seen over time is strong business activity and heavyweight political influence are a combination of attributes which really propel cities and Beijing is a perfect example of this,” said Andreas Mendoza Pena, a principal at AT Kearney in Chicago. “We see Beijing continuing its upward trend.”

The firm’s index was based on 26 metrics of how well municipalities spawn, attract and retain talent. In addition to New York, London and Beijing, the top 10 was rounded out by Paris, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Chicago, Singapore and Washington.

Brussels and Seoul both dropped out of the top 10, while advances were also seen by the Chinese cities of Shanghai and Guangzhou.

Read the rest of the Bangkok Post’s report here.