PNG businesses fight corruption
Updated
The fight against corruption in Papua New Guinea has received a boost from the business community, who formed an Alliance to prevent corruption within businesses. The Business Against Corruption Alliance or BACA, will ensure businesses do not bribe or offer gifts to government officials to get contracts and permits to work in the country.
Presenter: Firmin Nanol in Port Moresby
Speakers: Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce President, Ron Seddon and Transparency International PNG Chairman Peter Aitsi
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PNG is ranked amongst some of the most corrupt nations in the world. The Port Moresby business sector and the international anti-corruption group, Transparency International's PNG Chapter, TI PNG have therefore joined forces and formed the Alliance to stop corrupt dealings in businesses. The Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce says businesses want to do business on a fair and equal playing field. President Ron Seddon says businesses should say no to bribery or should not offer gifts to government officials in exchange for business favours such as contracts or work permits. He says such corrupt practices would result in some genuine businesses having to wait for long periods to get work permits and visas while some get theirs under the table.
The Business Against Corruption Alliance , BACA, is an initiative by the international anti-corruption group Transparency International's PNG Chapter - TI PNG. Its Chairman Peter Aitsi says corruption affect the ordinary people. He says it has a direct impact on the cost of doing business and when that happens, businesses pass on the costs to consumers.
The Business Against Corruption Alliance also got a major boost from the British High Commission in Papua New Guinea.The British High Commissioner to PNG, David Dunn presented over 20-thousand US dollars to BACA, which was launched this week. Mr Dunn has urged PNG citizens to say no to corruption in government and business. He says its every PNG citizen's responsibility to fight corruption.
The BACA Secretariat will use the funds to bring together over 200 businesses who are members of the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce in the fight against corruption in Papua New Guinea.
