The Thai government has long believed in a free and open economy and is recognized for its transparency in dealing with foreign investors. Thailand is ranked 13th from 181 countries on the ease of doing business by the World Bank in its 2009 report , with the 1st ranking going to Singapore. From the same report, it is ranked 44th on starting a business, 56th on employing workers, 11th for protecting investors, 10th for trading across borders, and 25th on enforcing contracts.