Cambridge Business Association
Doing Business 2018
Report

Doing Business 2018

Reforming to Create Jobs

World Bank Group
World Bank, 2017
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Editorial Rating

7

Qualities

  • Comprehensive
  • Analytical
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Why do some countries thrive as entrepreneurial hotspots while others don’t? Making it easier to do business certainly helps get the ball rolling. So say the results of the 2018 World Bank annual report on the impact of regulation on commercial activity across 190 countries. Policy experts will find this comprehensive study useful in identifying what works, what doesn’t and why. It also offers important information to executives and entrepreneurs looking to expand their businesses to other nations. Readers should note, however, that a subsequent investigation alleges that senior World Bank officials may have pressed staff to alter data related to China’s ranking.

Summary

Doing Business Worldwide

Governments are aware that efficient business regulations yield economic and political benefits. That’s why 119 of the 190 nations surveyed by the World Bank implemented at least one commercial reform in 2017. But ease of doing business varies considerably among countries. For instance, an entrepreneur faces far fewer hurdles in starting a business in Canada than in the Philippines.

The circumstances that encourage greater business formation and enable entrepreneurs to flourish are many and wide-ranging, but cost is one crucial factor that can impede company start-ups. High fees and taxes restrict the creation of new enterprises and reduce competition.

Another distinguishing aspect is the availability of good credit information, which facilitates the flow of loans to fledgling enterprises and keeps interest rates low.

A nation’s strong legal system also favors entrepreneurship, since clear rules for insolvency can weed out weak companies and release resources for more viable concerns. Efficient border logistics, such as automated ports, can cut down on transportation costs, thus encouraging trade.

The World...

About the Author

The World Bank provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries. 

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