September 2009 - According to Doing Business 2010: Reforming through Difficult Times, 17 of 19 economies in the region passed regulatory reforms to create opportunity for domestic entrepreneurs between June 2008 and May 2009.
Reformers were particularly active in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) where competition among neighbors played a part in motivating reforms. In recent years economies in the region have increasingly picked up reform practices from one another. Also, governments in MENA are now reforming at a rate similar to those in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
Maghreb Countries
Algeria introduced regulations to better administer the construction permit process and ensure the safe, timely completion of construction projects. Contract enforcement was improved with a new code of civil procedures that reduces time and eliminates procedures.
The courts are being fully computerized, including with an electronic case register and case management software.
The corporate income tax rate was cut from 25 percent to 19 percent for tourism, construction and public works, and production of goods.
Finally, property registration has been made easier and less costly by reducing the notary fee by 0.39 percent of the property’s value and eliminating the capital gains tax. Data l ProfileÂ
Morocco strengthened access to credit with a new private credit bureau that began operating in March 2009. Data l ProfileÂ
Tunisia raised the total tax rate for businesses by 3.7 percentage points, through an increase in social security taxes of 0.6 percentage point and an increase of 3.1 percentage points for abandoning accelerated depreciation.
Introduction of electronic filing may shorten tax payment compliance times and will affect payments.
Expansion of the country’s electronic single window will allow Tunisian traders to quickly file all documents required to clear their cargo online, and the system has reduced processing delays by two days. Furthermore, Tunisia strengthened investor protections by requiring greater corporate disclosure. Data l ProfileÂ
Doing Business analyzes regulations that apply to an economy’s businesses during their life cycles, including start-up and operations, trading across borders, paying taxes, and closing a business. Doing Business does not measure all aspects of the business environment that matter to firms and investors. For example, it does not measure security, macroeconomic stability, corruption, skill level, or the strength of financial systems. More about the Methodology.
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