Obstacles to reform: South African bus edition
The New York Times has an interesting story on the controversy surrounding improvements to
doing business
Doing Business in Colombia 2010
The World Bank's Doing Business team has launched its second annual Subnational Colombia report.
Building a stronger Haiti
Editor's Note: Frederic Meunier is a consultant working on the Doing Business "Dealing with Construction Permits" indicator.
Weekend Reading
Does economic news from China influence markets more than from America?
If so, maybe it's because Chinese foreign exchange reserves equal 20% of the S&P 500.
Announcing...IFC on YouTube!
IFC has launched its own YouTube channel, complete with videos that discuss topics ranging from IFC investments in private health care sectors, to the latest ideas on how to improve regulatory climates.
A recent video (after the jump) discusses "Simplifying Regulations and Generating Investment: Colombia's Key to Doing Business". Check it out:
Weekend Reading
"The real barrier to firm growth in poor countries could be management".
The top ten emerging financial centers. Plus, the next six BRICS.
Freer trade in East Africa
In 2005, the idea of an East African Customs Union (ECU) was formally announced.
Happy New Year from PSD Blog
Dear PSD readers and fans,
From all of as at PSD, we wish you a happy and safe 2010. We will return on January 4th, and look forward to continuing our conversation about economics, development and the role of private enterprise in fighting poverty.
Sincerely,
The PSD Team
2009: The Year of Doom
An easy way to take the pulse of 2009 is to look at what people have been reading over the past year. Alan has already talked about books, so I'll take a look at newspapers.
Yesterday, the FT posted its most read opinion pieces of 2009. Which author is on top?
Nouriel Roubini. Twice.
Quote of the Day: Crisis Talk Edition
In honor of the World Bank's limited edition blog of 2008-2009, Crisis Talk, here is a poem from Martin Dickson, deputy editor of the Financial Times, on the worst excesses of the financial crisis:
"To moral hazard give no thought!
We see no need to get distraught.
Please rest assured God’s work we’re doing
(It’s merely taxpayers we’re screwing.)
The Lord to us has sent a sign:
Monopoly profits are just fine."