Subnational Business Regulation: Guidelines for Reformers

The business environment is rarely uniform across all parts of a given country, even with one set of “laws on the books.” Sub-national political entities such as municipal, state, and regional governments often have considerable influence over the business climate. Simplifying the regulations associated with doing business at the sub-national level can stimulate private sector investment and growth, make it easier for informal firms to participate in the formal economy, and promote more even growth patterns within a country.

This toolkit provides practical advice to development practitioners on simplifying sub-national business regulation, particularly at the municipal level. It explains how to assess the feasibility of reform, how to design and implement a workable simplification program, and how to ensure its longer term sustainability.

Download the toolkit (PDF, 1831KB).