The SIC, Lebanon's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU), receives, analyzes, investigates suspicious transaction reports (STRs) and ensures compliance of banks, financial institutions and other reporting entities with the AML/CFT regulations.
VietNamNet Bridge - A code of conduct on business and the principles of anti-corruption were introduced at an international workshop jointly held by the Government Inspectorate and the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in HCM City on June 26.
The workshop aimed to raise public awareness of the need to combat corruption in small- and medium-sized enterprises and create a forum for domestic and foreign enterprises to share their experience in grasping the concept of business culture. It also helped to promote bilateral and multilateral cooperation in preventing and combating corruption amongst member economies of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).
Mai Quoc Binh, deputy chief of the Government Inspectorate, said that one of Vietnam’s key tasks now is to step up the fight against corruption by reforming institutions, speeding up administrative reform, increasing inspections and bringing to light corrupt behaviour, and to include people from every social section, including businesses.
Michael Ahrens, the managing director of Transparent International Australia, warned businesses about the present culture of bribery and suggested that they should draw up a code of conduct to ensure fairness, honesty and transparency in their operations.
A survey conducted by Ernst & Young and the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007-08 showed that more than 60 businesses were asked to give bribe, 80 percent were involved in corruption and 48 percent lost contracts after refusing to pay bribes.
This set alarm bell ringing about unhealthy business operations, said Hoang Thai Duong, deputy head of the Anti-Corruption Department.
He recommended that businesses should be fully aware of the negative effects of corruption and their role in combating corruption.
“They should say No to corruption and take strong action by formulating a code of conduct, ensuring healthy competition and educating people about the anti-corruption law,” he said.
