This is both true and false. While corruption is rampant and often expected, the environment can be easier particularly for lower capital businesses. If you w

This is both true and false. While corruption is rampant and often expected, the environment can be easier particularly for lower capital businesses. If you want to open a restaurant here in DC, it will take you quite a long time to get all the permits, permissions and inspections done. If you have to remedy anything, it probably won't be cheap. Once you have all the permits, you have to apply for special exemptions to stay open later, to serve alcohol, etc. When a Latino immigrant woman tried to sell her food on some neighborhood street in DC, she didn't even last a day. She tried (at least) twice, and she was promptly ticketed and got in some trouble for selling simple treats on the street. In contrast, in the developing countries the business comes first. You worry about making money. If it's actually working, then you can start worrying about bribes and taxes and regulations. So it can be cheaper and quicker to startup as many of these expenses are on the back end instead of being front loaded. The Romanian quote is right on.