Purpose

This independent blog collects news about projects or achievements in regulatory reform / better regulation. It is edited by Charles H. Montin. All opinions expressed are given on a personal basis.
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30 May 2013

Threat to our beloved "Doing Business"

According to All Africa, "an independent review panel is expected to soon release its findings regarding the World Bank's "Doing Business" report. Speculation abounds that the panel might recommend outsourcing "Doing Business", removing the "ease of doing business" rankings, or even eliminating the report altogether.
This challenge is not a new one, as powerful World Bank shareholders have been trying to sink the project since its inception in 2002. Now China, the world's second largest economy and an ever more influential force within the Bank, is seeking to water down the report by eliminating, among other things, its country rankings. For more, go to All Africa, the article explains why it would be a great loss if this index of regulatory reform progress was suppressed. (From Emmanouil Schizas, London)
PS: just after posting this, I noticed the leader in The Economist (25 May) under the title: "Stand Up for 'Doing Business'" which gives more detail about the on-going enquiry into the ranking, and strongly supports keeping this indicator. "The president of the World Bank should support one of its most useful products."

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