The World Bank’s Doing Business 2007  tracks indicators of time and costto meet government requirements in business startup, operation, trade, taxation, and closure in 175 countries. The authors of the report argue that the report itself makes business easier for firms by suggesting that the mere publication of comparative data on the ease of doing business has inspired or informed 48 reforms around the world since 2003. But how clear is the ultimate target of the agenda

on business deregulation, and how and at what pace should it be reached?