Russia has climbed 19 spots to finish 92nd in the World Bank's 2014 , indicating a notable improvement in the country's business climate.
The World Bank praised Russia's performance in five areas: the ease of opening of new businesses, the simplification of application processes for construction projects, the streamlining of property registration procedures, the speed of being hooked up to electric grids, and its improvement in global trade procedures.
Russia also finished third behind Ukraine and Rwanda among the 10 countries that had liberalized their economies the most last year, the report's authors said, Vedomosti reported Tuesday.
The Russian Cabinet has adopted nine "road maps" to improve the country's business climate, with another four expected to be completed by the end of 2013.
In 2012, President Vladimir Putin pledged to boost Russia's position in the standings from 120th to 20th by 2018. Russia's performance in this year's ranking surpassed the expectations of the Economic Development Ministry, which had anticipated that the country would come 100th.
The World Bank has been conducting a yearly review of the legislation, institutions and regulations that underpin the world economies since 2004 to determine which countries have the most favorable business environment.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
