NZ best country in the world for doing business
Recognition today that New Zealand continues to have the most business-friendly environment in the world is another real
example of the strength of our underlying economic and business fundamentals, Finance Minister Grant Robertson says.
New Zealand maintained top spot in the Doing Business 2019 report released by the World Bank today. The report compares
regulations affecting businesses in 190 countries, including settings for starting a business, dealing with construction
permits, access to credit, trade, and protection of minority investors,” Grant Robertson said.
“The report uses quantitative data which is current in 2018, and specifically notes that: “The top three economies this
year—New Zealand, Singapore and Denmark—exemplify a business friendly environment.”
“Within the ten topics used to determine New Zealand’s score, the report showed improved sub-scores this year for ease
of starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity and registering property.
“It’s important that our regulatory settings are right. It’s also important for Governments to support businesses to
grow. Since coming into office the Coalition Government has engaged with the business community and announced a number
of growth-friendly policies aimed at driving more productive, sustainable and inclusive growth.
“Our policies announced to date include the $1 billion tax incentive for businesses engaging in R, the $1 billion per year Provincial Growth Fund, the $100 million Green Investment Fund, support for businesses with
the costs of taking on apprentices through Mana in Mahi/Strength in Work, and a series of reforms to support small and
medium enterprises like e-invoicing,” Grant Robertson said.