According to a survey conducted by the Center for Economic Research and Reforms among Uzbek entrepreneurs, 53% of respondents often face corruption. 48% of the surveyed entrepreneurs refrain from making new investments because of this.
To discuss steps to foster a culture of zero-tolerance to corruption and promote business integrity in Uzbekistan, some 100 Uzbek entrepreneurs and other representatives from the corporate sector gathered for a business forum in Tashkent on November 30, 2021.
UNODC organized the forum in cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Agency, Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights and Legal Interests of Business Entities with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
“Corruption can’t be solved by governments or companies alone. If everyone is protecting their rights and assuming their roles, together with the private sector, we can support conditions conducive to growth and sustainable development for all”, said Ms. Ashita Mittal, UNODC Regional Representative for Central Asia.
In her statement Ms. Mittal emphasized that anti-corruption measures are most effective when they are grounded in thorough research. “That is why the UN Convention Against Corruption highlights data collection and analysis as a prerequisite for better policy design and implementation, as well as for capacity-building of law enforcement, government stakeholders and civil society”, she noted.
Mr. Alkis Drakinos, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development’s Resident Office in Uzbekistan, said: “As multilateral development bank focused on private sector development, we regard private sector participation as an integral part of the fight against corruption. We believe that businesses can support governments’ efforts to curb corruption and ensure a level playing field”.
During the Forum, the Commissioner for the Protection of the Rights and Legal Interests of Business Entities of the Republic of Uzbekistan presented the anti-corruption business charter of Uzbekistan. All members of Uzbekistan’s business society are encouraged to join the Charter and contribute to the establishment of a corruption free business environment.
UNODC and EBRD will continue to support national counterparts in strengthening integrated, multi-sectoral responses to corruption with involvement of civil society and the private sector. In 2022, Uzbekistan will also join a new UNODC Global Action for Business Integrity, which is based on a partnership with Siemens under the Siemens Integrity Initiative.
Story in Russian language
***
Fore more information, contact Vasilina Brazhko (Ms.)
Communication and PR Specialist at
UNODC ROCA
+996775987817 WhatsApp
vasilina.brazhko [at] un.org
