Business Dynamics

Malaysia’s economy contracted over 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, supply and demand shocks, and a drop in oil prices. The economy is projected to bounce back over 2021-2022, driven by strong fiscal and monetary support, recovering global demand,...

Sri Lanka ranked low on key business environment indicators in 2020, given a heavy tax burden, burdensome bureaucracy, widespread corruption and skills shortages. Limited access to credit information and high lending rates hinder businesses’ access ...

While Chile is considered an average performer by global standards, the country stood as the leader in the Ease of Doing Business Index 2020 and Global Competitiveness Index 2019 rankings in Latin America. The country has a stable macroeconomic ...

While an average performer in a global context, Morocco was among the most attractive economies in Africa in the Ease of Doing Business Index 2020 and Global Competitiveness Index 2019 rankings. The country has a stable regulatory environment, ...

Russia’s business environment is improving thanks to numerous deregulatory reforms adopted by the government. The country is strongly investing in infrastructure and ICT adoption, which should strengthen its competitive stance in the region. However,...

Portugal’s ranking has worsened in the Ease of Doing Business Report, yet it still ranks in top half globally in 2020. A relatively heavy tax burden, costly procedures of starting a business and complex access to finance cloud the country’s global ...

Spain stood among the top 30 countries in key business and competitiveness indexes in 2020, thanks to excellent trade conditions and advanced transport and ICT infrastructure, with a high rank in the Network Readiness Index. Yet starting a business ...

Singapore held the top spots in all business rankings in 2020, cementing its position as the prime location to do business. Its highly skilled workforce and lax regulatory system are the key advantages for future growth. Meanwhile, investments in ...

Starting a business in Myanmar became easier in 2020, yet complicated operational procedures continue to hinder the country’s performance in Doing Business. Myanmar’s financial sector is weak, prone to high risks and lack of macroeconomic stability, ...

Businesses in Romania face lengthy and expensive procedures for obtaining construction permits and getting electricity as well as relatively high lending rates compared to most regional countries. In addition, Romania suffers from severe brain drain ...

The United Arab Emirates ranks as one of the best countries to do business in Middle East and Africa. Rapid rate of business sector liberalization, high investments in infrastructure, developed logistics networks and one of the most educated ...

Kenya ranked among the top third of countries in the Ease of Doing Business Index in 2020, thanks to sound legal rights protection and an excellent ranking in the Getting Credit pillar. Despite this, starting and operating a business in the country ...

In 2020, Bulgaria’s ranking has worsened given a lack of reforms, while corruption and bureaucracy continue to make starting a business in the country difficult. While the central bank maintains interest rates low to facilitate lending, access to ...

Germany stands among the top 25 countries globally in terms of its business environment, yet starting a business remains complex and costly. With a sound judicial system, advanced financial sector and high government integrity, Germany is highly ...

Bangladesh stands among the bottom third of countries in business rankings in 2020. The country’s competitiveness is hindered by high corruption rates, as well as slow and costly procedures of dealing with trade documentation and border clearance. ...

Ecuador ranks low in the Ease of Doing Business Index in 2020, as the country continues to struggle with corruption, lack of transparency and efficiency in its judicial system. The country is also positioned among the bottom-half of performers in the...

South Korea remains one of the most attractive destinations to do business in, thanks to its stable financial sector, great infrastructure, tech-savvy population and skilled workforce. The country also directs significant funds towards increasing its...

Peru’s stance in Doing Business 2020 continued to decline, due to an inefficient judicial system, complex procedures for starting a business, paying taxes, and trading. Despite low interest rates in 2020, a weak financial system and low confidence ...

Austria remains a favourable place to do business in, thanks to its stable economy, transparent regulatory framework, and highly skilled human capital. Other benefits include well-developed freight and digital infrastructure, relatively competitive ...

Switzerland continues to rank among leading business environments globally, thanks to its stable economy, transparent judicial system, strong financial sector, competitive taxation, and advanced infrastructure. The country has a highly skilled labour...