The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is an innovative instrument to promote business integrity. The UNCAC addresses not only corruption in private-to-public relationships (business relationships with public officials, including state-owned enterprises), but also private-to-private relationships (relationships among companies only).
Creating a healthy business environment is a key priority for Uzbekistan, which is currently participating in the second cycle of the UNCAC’s Implementation Review Mechanism. The aim of the review under this cycle is to analyze and strengthen measures to prevent corruption and recover stolen assets. In this regard, Uzbek businesses are actively pursuing anti-corruption ethics and compliance programs. One sector investing in such programs is the automotive industry.
To support these efforts, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) recently partnered with car manufacturer “UzAutosanoat”, which unites dozens of large and medium-sized enterprises involved in the production of cars, car components, and management of the related dealer network.
A series of joint trainings on the prevention of corruption and fraud in the corporate sector are planned for managers and staff of “UzAutosanoat” and its affiliated companies. The first of these took place on 5 August gathering over 60 participants.
“Companies such as ours have a critical role to play in the fight against corruption”, said Mr. Hayot Salidjanov, Head of Compliance Control at “UzAutosanoat”. “UNODC’s tools are of great value for our industry. They help us implement measures to eradicate corruption and more broadly to foster a culture of zero tolerance to corrupt behavior in society. Hence, we initiated this joint initiative to train our staff to recognize and eliminate corruption risks”.
Led by Mr. Constantine Palicarsky from UNODC’s Corruption and Economic Crime Branch, participants reviewed typical fraud schemes during the session. They discussed related risks in the corporate sector and brainstormed on necessary preventive measures.
In July, Uzbek authorities launched their latest anti-corruption program covering the period from 2021-2022. UNODC is supporting Uzbekistan in the implementation of this program and related institutional reforms. With funding from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, UNODC facilitates efforts to increase engagement of civil society and the private sector on anti-corruption in Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries.
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For more information, please contact Vasilina Brazhko
UNODC ROCA Communication and PR Specialist
WhatsApp: +996775987817
E-mail: vasilina.brazhko[at]un.org
