Costs and time to comply with state regulations have remained unchanged for two consecutive years, the study Cost of doing business notes

The perception on the companies on costs of doing business were more-less unchanged in the past few years, notes the study "Cost of State Regulation of Entrepreneurial Activity" conducted by experts of the World Bank Competitiveness Enhancement Project II, noting that there are no major improvements. Actually, 30% of businesses noted deteriorationof the situation in 2015. The survey is carried out annually since 2002, with support from the Ministry of Economy and in accordance with the methodology provided by the World Bank.

The research considers the perceptions of business people over 17 procedures, ranging from registering a company, obtaining operating permits and licenses, to paying taxes, import and export operations, quality control, etc.

Inspections, permissive documents (licenses, permits), unofficial payments, selective application of the legislation, and tax system, are the most significant burden to businesses, and no notable improvements in these areas. There is total of 416 licenses, permits, authorizations in Moldova; this is more than previously thought; It costs businesses 136 million Lei and 1.4million days (in waiting time)/year to get permissive documents. Customs procedures slightly improved, but further improvements needed.

According to the Tarik Sahovic, senior specialist in private sector development within the World Bank, the objective of the study is to monitor and assess the impact on business of the state policies and regulatory requirements on businesses operating in Moldova. "Through this study, we provide a qualitative analysis to the Government of the costs for companies to comply with state regulations. Based on this research, the authorities may take the necessary decisions to improve the business environment and investment climate in Moldova, " said Tarik Sahovic.

The survey was carried out on a reprezentantive sample of 634 companies around the country, except the Transnistrian region. Like previous surveys, limited liability companies made up over 90% of all surveyed enterprises. Companies with no more than 10 employees accounted for 80% of the total.

Note. With a total budget of 45 million US dollars, PAC II is implemented during 2015-2019. The project aims to improve the business environment by supporting the Government in implementing strategies aimed at creating a favorable business environment, reduce the constraints and costs for business management. However, the project will contribute to the development of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by facilitating access to finance on medium and long term, strengthening institutional capacities of ODIMM and MIEPO, providing grants to private businesses for consulting services, which contribute to increasing export competitiveness, etc.