The report provides data on business costs by analyzing specific regulatory norms that help or hamper business investment, labor productivity etc. The report is based on the assessment of existing legislation and norms in the economy of the surveyed countries, the examination of assessments made by lawmakers, members of the private sector, consulting companies and other experts.

The survey examines five topics, covering the fundamental aspects of a business life cycle, including starting a business, hiring and firing workers, enforcing contracts, getting credit and closing a business.

To open a business in Russia, it is necessary to go through 12 entry procedures. In Ukraine, there are 14 procedures, in Belarus – 19. In the United States, the number of the necessary procedures is 5, and in Canada and Australia – only 2.

At the same time, Russia is among the countries whose citizens are well protected against layoffs. In this respect, the situation is also favorable in Belarus and Ukraine. To enforce a contract in Russia, it is necessary to go through 16 procedures, which will take 160 days. In the United States, there are 17 procedures that will take 365 days.

As for access to credit, Russia is ranked in the middle. Resolving bankruptcy in Russia takes 1.5 years, while in Ireland, this procedure takes just three months, in Belarus – 2.2 years, in the United States – 3 years, and in India, it might take more than 11 years.