Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of investment climate and firm-specific variables on the growth of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kenya. Design/methodology/approach The paper utilized a cross-section survey data of 2,536 MSEs in Kenya. Using the sales...

This Palgrave Pivot provides an introduction to the economy and business environment of Vietnam, a rapidly growing member of the ASEAN Economic Community. The introduction argues that though there may be perceived disadvantages in investing in Vietnam, there are a number of benefits such as the...

Intro -- Contents -- Foreword -- Acknowledgments -- Abbreviations and Data Notes -- Overview -- The investment climate is central to growth and poverty reduction -- Tackling costs, risks, and barriers to competition -- Progress requires more than changes in formal policies -- A process, not an...

Intro -- Contents -- Figures and Tables -- Preface -- ADMINISTRATIVE BARRIERS TO INVESTMENT IN AFRICA -- Acknowledgments -- Acronyms -- Executive Summary -- Methodology -- Conclusion: The Red Tape Analysis -- 1. Introduction -- Liberalization and Reform -- The Lack of Investor Response --...

The signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2006 and Constituent Assembly elections in 2008 have paved the way for political and economic reform in Nepal. Indeed, the 2009 Investment Climate Assessment (ICA) shows that Nepal's private sector is starting to reap some dividend from the...

"Most people agree that a good investment climate is essential for growth and poverty reduction. Less clear is how to achieve it. Many reforms are complex, involving more than technical design and content. They are both political, facing opposition from organized and powerful groups-and...

Intro -- Contents -- Cover -- Title -- Foreword........................................................................................................ xi -- Acknowledgments....................................................................................... xiii -- About the Authors...

Intro -- Contents -- ACKNOWLEDGMENTS -- INTRODUCTION -- OPENING ADDRESS: In WEnt's Commitment to Helping Improve the Investment Climate in Developing Countries -- Early Thinking on the Scope and Approach of the 2005 World Development Report -- Part I: Investment, Productivity, and Development:...

Intro -- Contents -- Preface -- Introduction -- Firm Size, Financing, Access to Credit, and Credit Constraints -- Financial Institution Ownership and Access to Credit -- Financial Access as an Obstacle to Growth Compared to Other Variables -- Conclusion -- Appendix -- References -- LIST OF...

This evaluation assesses the effectiveness of the World Bank Group in helping its member countries improve their investment climates, within the context of the World Bank Group's overall mission of poverty reduction and sustainable development