Doing Business in 2003

Doing Business in 2003 Synopsis

An important new annual publication from the World Bank, Doing Business in 2004 provides both qualitative and quantitative information on the business climate in over 130 countries. Doing Business constructs a new set of indicators on the regulatory environment for private sector development and provides a collection of informative case studies of real-life experiences.

Doing Business in 2004 covers the fundamental aspects of a business life cycle, from starting a business to bankruptcy. Topics include access to credit, bankruptcy, entry regulations, contract enforcement, and labour regulations. Unique in its approach, Doing Business provides both the accurate data and in-depth analysis necessary to assess the environment for doing business, and offers answers to these critical questions:

• Which is the most expensive country for starting a new business?
• Which countries have the most rigid regulations on hiring and firing?
• Which countries have the most extensive business entry procedures?
• Why does heavy regulation lead to inefficiency and corruption?
• What countries are most efficient in the area of contract enforcement?
• How do clearly-defined property rights enhance prosperity?
• What are the most successful regulatory models? Why?