(13 June 2007 – Australia) Sydney has been ranked the fifth most economically influential city in Asia Pacific and 14th globally, according to MasterCard’s Worldwide Centre of Commerce study.Melbourne was seventh most influential city in Asia Pacific and 34th in the world.
“While Sydney is home to the Australian Stock Exchange, Reserve Bank of Australia and Futures Exchange, Melbourne’s presence on the world stage for cultural and sporting events may have helped lift its profile in the international business community,” the study noted.
A panel of researchers and economists identified 63 cities around the world that met their initial criteria.
The financial infrastructure in Melbourne was deemed to be holding the city back from a higher ranking in the Index, according to the panel.
London was ranked the top city followed by New York, Tokyo, Chicago and Hong Kong.