To determine which country has consistently ranked first in the Ease of Doing Business index from 2017 onwards, let's analyze the provided information and your options.
The Ease of Doing Business index, maintained by the World Bank, ranks economies based on various factors that contribute to an environment conducive to starting and operating a local firm. These factors include starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.
Based on the information available regarding the World Bank's Ease of Doing Business rankings, the country that has maintained the No. 1 position consistently from 2017 is New Zealand.
This conclusion is drawn from the published reports of the World Bank, which documents the rankings and indicates that New Zealand's policies and the entrepreneurial environment have been conducive for business operations.