New Zealand tops the world for doing business - National need to take a reality check

New Zealand is the overall winner of the World Bank's latest 'Doing Business' report.

"Clearly the Labour Progressive government's work to support economic growth using pro-active business development policies has made a positive difference for business. We are now the best country in the world in which to run a business according to the World Bank," Progressive leader and Minister for Economic Development, Jim Anderton said.

The World Bank 'Doing Business' reports present indicators on the regulations and policies, which encourage or discourage investment, productivity, and growth. Key indicators help measure the ease or difficulty of operating a business.

The indicators show how well each country is doing in seven areas: starting a business, hiring and firing workers, enforcing contracts, getting credit, closing a business, registering a property and protecting investors.

"This is a huge reality check for National and ACT. What part of the success of this government's hands on, partnership with business do they not understand? Even the World Bank is applauding the result.

"The Labour Progressive policy of working in partnership with business to support and facilitate economic growth is paying off. Our regional, sector and industry development strategies have contributed to four consecutive years of growth. The key areas we are now focused on include lifting skills, attracting investment, promoting innovation and strengthening infrastructure.

"The government has also improved support for individual businesses by providing advisory and mentoring services, reducing compliance costs, providing a one-stop business portal www.biz.org.nz, supporting management development and industry training.

"The pro-active, hands on economic development policies, promoted by the Labour Progress coalition government are the key to this result. If voters want New Zealand to continue as the top business environment in the world, they need to confirm that Labour stays in coalition with the Progressives as the only pro-growth, pro-jobs coalition partner.

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