Business Environment in Russia: Assessments and Reality
Russian Economic Developments. Moscow. 2013, No. 12, pp. 44-46
3 Pages Posted: 22 Dec 2013
Date Written: December 21, 2013
Abstract
Russia has been upgraded 19 places, from 111th to 92nd, out of the 189 countries covered by the recent Doing Business 2014, the report made by the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. The performed work has shown tangible results. However, a sober attitude towards assessing the real effect of this very important work on the business environment at large is needed. This country has been ranked behind the 100th place for 5 of the 10 areas and behind the 150th place for 2 areas covered by the Doing Business ranking. The 12-place upgrade for Russia on such an essential area as the ease of starting a business ignores that corruption at the local level is one of the main obstacles in the country. It refers to some other areas too. Most importantly, the Doing Business ranking covers major characteristics pertaining to business environment, leaving aside such most painful ones as protection of entrepreneurs’ ownership and individual rights, poor judicial system, corruption etc. No real success can be achieved unless all of the lagging institutional areas undergo systemic reforms.
Keywords: Russian economy
JEL Classification: Е30, E31, C81, L11
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation