2011年-世界发展银行全球_Enterprise_Surveys___El_Salvador_Country_Profile_2010_15页_875kb

El Salvador Country Profile Summary (2010)

Core Content Overview

The El Salvador Country Profile from the World Bank Group's Enterprise Surveys provides a comprehensive analysis of the business environment, focusing on various dimensions that affect firm productivity and performance. The data collected through these surveys is used to benchmark El Salvador against its regional peers and income group, offering insights into the challenges faced by firms in the non-agricultural formal private economy.

Main Topics and Indicators

Business Environment Obstacles

The surveys highlight key challenges that firms in El Salvador face in their operations. These include:

• Corruption: A significant concern, with a Graft Index of 2.0, indicating that firms are frequently asked for informal payments.
• Regulatory and Licensing Burdens: Firms report delays in obtaining permits and licenses, with 77.8 days required for construction-related permits and 44.4 days for operating licenses.
• Time Spent on Government Requirements: Senior management spends 19.6% of their time dealing with government regulatory requirements.
• Tax Inspections: The average number of visits or meetings with tax officials is 3.0.

Infrastructure

Infrastructure quality significantly impacts business operations. Key findings include:

• Power Outages: On average, 2.1 outages per month, with 7.0% of sales lost due to these outages.
• Water Shortages: 8.3 shortages per month, averaging 8.1 hours of shortage per event.
• Service Delays: Delays in obtaining electrical, water, and telephone connections are substantial, with 28.6 days for electrical connections and 59.5 days for water connections.

Trade

Trade activity is a critical component of El Salvador's economy. Key indicators are:

• Exporter Firms: 31.3% of firms export directly or indirectly.
• Use of Foreign Inputs: 80.9% of firms use foreign material inputs or supplies.
• Customs Delays: 13.4 days to clear imports through customs, and 3.7 days for direct exports.
• Transport Losses: 0.1% of exports are lost due to theft, and 1.2% due to breakage or spoilage.

Regulations, Taxes, and Business Licensing

Regulatory and licensing processes are a major hurdle for firms. Notable data points include:

• Import License: 23.4 days required to obtain.
• Construction Permit: 77.8 days required.
• Operating License: 44.4 days required.
• Legal Forms: 75.7% of firms are closed shareholding companies, 17.7% are sole proprietorships, and 5.0% are open shareholding companies.

Corruption

Corruption is a major obstacle, with the following findings:

• Graft Index: 2.0, lower than the regional average of 6.6 and income group average of 15.8.
• Gifts to Tax Inspectors: 0.3% of firms expect to give gifts.
• Gifts for Government Contracts: 5.8% of firms expect to give gifts.
• Gifts for Construction Permits: 16.1% of firms expect to give gifts.
• Gifts for Import Licenses: 0.3% of firms expect to give gifts.
• Gifts for Operating Licenses: 2.1% of firms expect to give gifts.

Crime and Informality

Crime and informality are major concerns for firms in El Salvador:

• Fair Court Perception: Only 14.3% of firms believe the court system is fair, impartial, and uncorrupted.
• Security Costs: 3.4% of sales are spent on security.
• Losses from Crime: 1.6% of sales are lost due to theft, robbery, vandalism, and arson.
• Formal Registration: 75.7% of firms are formally registered when starting operations.

Finance

Access to financial services and the efficiency of financial markets are essential for firm growth. Key indicators are:

• Internal Finance for Investment: 50.8% of firms rely on internal funds.
• Bank Finance for Investment: 20.7% of firms use bank financing.
• Working Capital External Financing: 52.5% of firms use external sources.
• Collateral Requirements: 166.3% of the loan amount is required as collateral.
• Bank Loans/Line of Credit: 53.1% of firms have access to such services.
• Checking or Savings Accounts: 94.6% of firms have these accounts.

Innovation and Workforce

The surveys also capture data on innovation and labor practices:

• Quality Certifications: 14.5% of firms have internationally recognized quality certifications.
• External Audits: 96.6% of firms have their financial statements reviewed by external auditors.
• Website Usage: 51.9% of firms use their own websites.
• Email Communication: 88.1% of firms use email to communicate with clients and suppliers.
• Workforce Composition: The average number of temporary workers is 10.4, and permanent full-time workers is 49.1.
• Female Participation: 35.7% of firms have full-time female workers, with 21.4% having female top managers and 40.2% having female participation in ownership.

Key Findings

• Corruption: El Salvador has lower corruption levels compared to regional and income group averages, but it remains a concern.
• Regulatory Delays: The time required to obtain permits and licenses is higher than the regional average, indicating inefficiencies.
• Infrastructure Challenges: Power and water shortages are significant, with substantial financial losses reported.
• Trade Efficiency: While trade is active, the process is hindered by customs delays and transport risks.
• Financial Access: Firms rely heavily on internal finance, with relatively low use of external financing.
• Innovation and Labor: There is moderate use of technology and a notable presence of female participation in the workforce.

Conclusion

The Enterprise Surveys provide a detailed picture of the business environment in El Salvador, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses. While the country has a relatively low incidence of corruption and a high percentage of firms with formal registration, it faces significant challenges in infrastructure, regulatory efficiency, and access to external financing. These findings are crucial for policymakers and researchers aiming to improve the business environment and promote sustainable economic growth.