India tough place to do business: World Bank

India continues to be a tough place for doing business even as the country has improved regulator processes for starting enterprises and trading across borders, according to World Bank and IFC.

In terms of ease of doing business, India is ranked 132nd among 185 countries. The nation's position for 2013 is unchanged from 2012.

Singapore is at the top position, followed by 'Hong Kong SAR, China' at second place and New Zealand at third spot. Other nations in the top 10 are the US (4th), Denmark (5th), the UK (7th), Norway (6th), Korea (8th), Georgia (9th) and Australia (10th).

India is the lowest ranked among BRIC nations. Brazil (130th), Russia (112nd), China (91th) and 'Taiwan, China" (16th).

India is also below neighbouring Pakistan (107th) and Nepal (108th).

Titled 'Doing Business 2013 Smarter Regulations for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises', the report said that local entrepreneurs in developing countries are finding it easier to do business than at any time in the last ten years.

The ease of doing business in the developing world reflects the significant progress that has been made in improving business regulatory practices worldwide, it added.

"India focused mostly on simplifying and reducing cost of regulatory processes in such areas as starting a business, paying taxes and trading across borders," the report said.

The rankings are based on various factors - starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts and resolving insolvency.

Only on two fronts - dealing with construction permits and registering property - India has improved its position in 2013 report compared to 2012. The ranking has remained unchanged in terms of getting credit and enforcing contracts.