Fostering co-operation in corruption prevention between government and private sector in focus of OSCE-led seminar in Moldova
CHISINAU, 28 April 2015 – Over 50 senior and mid-level anti-corruption professionals from Eastern Europe and the South Caucasus, as well as experts from international organizations, Europe and the United States gathered in Chisinau for a three-day regional seminar on fostering co-operation in corruption prevention between government and private sector.
“Corruption, and in particular bribery, weakens the rule of law and discourages business development,” said Deputy Head of the Office of the Co-ordinator of OSCE Economic and Environmental Activities (OCEEA) Alexey Stukalo. He added “While many countries already have corruption prevention legislative frameworks in place, what is often lacking is effective implementation. Prevention of corruption and creation of a ‘culture of integrity’ can only be successful when all sectors of society join forces and adopt a coordinated approach”.
Nicolae Esanu, Deputy Minister of Justice of the Republic of Moldova noted: “The need to address the conditions that allow corruption to develop is as important as the need to punish it. My country is currently stepping up its efforts to enhance the professional integrity of its civil servants and to establish procedures for confiscation for illicit enrichment”.
Participants will discuss their national integrity and anti-bribery frameworks with a view to formulating appropriate recommendations for improvement. Through the examination of successful case studies of co-operation between Governments and the business community, including the role of business associations, they will acquire a deeper understanding of corruption prevention in the management of public finances and conflict of interests at the public-private sector interface. In particular, the seminar will assist some of the participating states in preparing for the forthcoming 2nd UNCAC review cycle due to start in 2015.
The event is organized by the OCEEA, in co-operation with the OECD Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia and in partnership with the Government of the Republic of Moldova.