Doing Business Reform Advisory

The doing business indicators have served as a trigger for countries to identify and implement business environment reforms. In response to client demand for technical assistance in the areas measured by doing business, the World Bank Group launched the doing business reform advisory (DBRA) unit in 2007. In the subsequent decade, the team assisted 117 governments with 664 reforms. The report takes stock of these results and identifies key lessons learned. The report identifies key features of successful reformers, which include adopting a high-level, long-term vision to improve the business environment, leading reform programs at the highest level of government, promoting evidence-based policies and data-driven decision-making, and involving the private sector for reform design, accountability and impact. These are among the key principles that underpin the design of the country programs and its reforms. It further illustrates how the adaptability and capacity to evolve into new areas have been essential in the face of growing client demand.