With the improvement in India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business report to the 100th place, bankers and experts have expressed the hope that GST will strengthen the country’s position in future.

“Going forward, GST’s incorporation in next year’s assessment will provide another significant leap in the doing-business rankings for India,” YES Bank Managing Director Rana Kapoor said in a statement.

It is to be noted that the latest Ease of Doing Business report by the World Bank —— released yesterday —— did not take into account the implementation of the Goods and Services Tax GST) from July 1.

Passage of the GST Bill was clearly a watershed moment for the economy, but even otherwise there has been a sustained effort to simplify licensing and tax structures, thereby, making India a much more investment-friendly place to do business, said Axis Bank MD Shikha Sharma.

According to KPMG, the next paradigm shift to the top 50 is still a long way ahead and will require India to maintain a strong momentum.

The GST reform that did not get considered this year will drive India’s improvement in next year’s assessment, but there is a need to continue to work on other areas, including starting businesses, trading across borders as well as land reforms, KPMG partner Nilaya Verma said.

The change in ranking reflects the outcome of a significant effort by central, state and city administrations, another consultancy firm PwC said.

The improved investment climate will give an impetus to several economic corridors that are ready for investors, it added.

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