Hong Kong stays 6th on Asia's livability index

Hong Kong remains Asia's sixth most livable location, but has fallen to 33rd place in the global ranking, a report said on Thursday.

This was one of the findings of the latest Location Ratings for expatriate living conditions published by ECA International, a provider of knowledge, information and technology for the management and assignment of employees around the world.

ECA's Location Ratings system objectively evaluates a host of factors to form an assessment of the overall quality of living in over 450 locations worldwide.

According to ECA, Hong Kong is still ranked high as a place for Asian expatriates, however, the city's attractiveness has dropped 16 places, from 17th to 33rd position globally.

Factors assessed include climate, availability of health services, housing and utilities, isolation, access to a social network and leisure facilities, infrastructure, personal safety, political tensions and air quality.

"Hong Kong scores well in a range of factors including infrastructure, education and healthcare facilities, and availability of goods and services," said Lee Quane, Regional Director for Asia, ECA International.

"However, air quality remains a lot poorer there than many other parts of the region," Quane said.

While Hong Kong has fallen down the ranking, its arch regional rival, Singapore, has secured top spot for the 16th year running.

"The fact that Singapore comes out top time and time again does make it a very attractive proposition for companies looking to set up in the region, particularly when conditions in Hong Kong have deteriorated a little," said Quane.

"Nevertheless, it is important to put this into perspective. Overall Hong Kong does still remain one of the easier places in the world for an outsider to adjust to living and working in," Quane added. Endi