CIDS is a member of the Economic Freedom Network
(EFN). The EFN was started as a project in 1984 by Milton and Rose
Friedman and Michael Walker to index economic freedom around the
world. Today, it is created by Jim Gwartney and Robert Lawson, and
consists member research institutes from hundreds of country. The EFN
Asia is financially supported and organized by the Friedrich Naumann
Stiftung.
Mission Statement
The EFN Asia and its members aim to promote the
insight that expanding individual liberty in the economic sphere leads
to both human development and economic growth. To facilitate human
development, the Network calls for free exchange of goods and services
both domestically and internationally as well as for limited but strong
government with accountable and transparent administration that
establishes and secures the openness of markets, upholds the rule of law
and enforces property rights and contracts.
In the pursuit of its objectives, the Network
provides a platform for political dialogue, academic exchange ad public
education in order to appeal to political decision-makers, policy
advisors and the public in general to broaden the public policy debate
on the merits of free markets and minimal, accountable governments.
The network includes Asian organizations and
think-tanks, as well as individuals such as policy makers, government
officials, academics, journalists and corporate representative. It also
seeks partnerships with organizations outside Asia.
Economic Freedom Index
Economic Freedom of the World
