The UK has entered the top ten in a ranking of countries' attractiveness to global infrastructure investors.

It has moved up three places since last year's ARCADIS Global Infrastructure Investment Index and now occupies tenth spot, behind the US and Australia.

The reasons behind this gain are better economic performance and the growing need for investment in infrastructure.

Nevertheless, ARCADIS states that more needs to be done to attract private investment funds, as the UK is competing against countries that provide more clarity regarding major projects.

Emerging markets are winning the race to attract investment, the group says, with Indonesia and the Philippines rising up the rankings.

Singapore occupies pole position, followed by Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with the top five rounded off by Canada and Sweden.

Rob Mooren, global director of infrastructure at ARCADIS, said: "By encouraging private finance into infrastructure, governments can remain globally competitive and meet their social and economic objectives."