Multilateral development bank (MDB) anticorruption and integrity heads, government officials, and other experts shared best practices with Asia-Pacific companies on managing corruption and integrity risks while implementing MDB-supported infrastructure projects at the 2nd Asia-Pacific Anticorruption and Integrity Forum in Xiamen, China on 27-29 August.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB), Xiamen National Accounting Institute, MCDF, China International Contractors Association, and Secretariat of Maritime Silk Road Central Legal District co-organized the forum under the theme “Delivering Development with Integrity.”

Participants included government officials and representatives from International Financial Institutions (IFIs), companies from China, Mongolia, Nepal, and Viet Nam, academia, and international organizations.

“This forum is an opportunity for International Financial Institutions to share their standards and good practices with contractors to enable compliance system improvements and better collaborate with International Financial Institutions,” said MCDF CEO Zhongjing Wang.

The high-level forum held on 27 August addressed key developments in MDB anticorruption and integrity policies and their significance for the Asia-Pacific; regional and global anticorruption and integrity trends, developments, and lessons learned among contractors and companies; and the latest anticorruption research from academics in the region.

The capacity building workshops held on 28 and 29 August provided a deep dive look at the MDB General Principles for Business Integrity Programs that IFIs launched earlier this year to offer practical guidance to companies on preventing and managing corruption risks in their operations.

It was noted that the principles are designed to provide flexibility to companies to manage corruption, bearing in mind their size and those of the markets and sectors in which they operate. Detailed case studies were presented on using the principles to tailor and implement integrity compliance programs. Speakers underscored the importance of establishing a ‘culture of compliance’ within an organization, led by senior management.

“The MDB General Principles for Business Integrity Programs are not merely guidelines, they are the very foundation upon which the trust of our member states, partners, and the global community is built,” said Ms. Paula Santos Da Costa, Integrity and Anticorruption Office Director at the African Development Bank.

Keynote speakers emphasized the importance of the fight against corruption for development.

“Business integrity programs aren’t just about ticking a box,” said Ms. Roberta Casali, ADB’s Vice President for Finance and Risk Management, in opening remarks. “They play a crucial role in MDBs’ efforts to deliver development, free from fraud and corruption.”

“The forum theme, “Delivering Development with Integrity,” underscores the critical role that integrity and compliance play in both corporate governance and urban development,” added Mr. Xiaozhou Huang, Executive Vice Mayor of the Xiamen Municipal Government.

Other keynote speakers underlined the importance of the forum in supporting knowledge sharing and partnership on the topic.

“The forum is shaping up as a strong pillar for dialogue on integrity and partnership for collective action,” noted Mr. Mouhamadou Diagne, Vice President of Integrity at the World Bank Group. “This forum…aims to unite all parties in promoting a culture of integrity, reinforcing the foundation of compliance, and fostering a conducive environment for stable and healthy economic growth,” echoed Mr. Xianchun Xiang of China’s Finance Ministry.

Zhongjing Wang, CEO, MCDF

Roberta Casali, Vice President of Finance and Risk Management, Asian Development Bank

Paula Santos Da Costa, Director, Office of Integrity and Anti-Corruption, African Development Bank

Mouhamadou Diagne, Vice President of Integrity, World Bank Group

Xiaozhou Huang, Member, Standing Committee of the CPC Xiamen Municipal Committee, Deputy Secretary, Party Leadership Group, and Executive Vice Mayor, Xiamen Municipal Government

Xianchun Xiang, Second-Level Inspector, Department of Asset Management, Ministry of Finance, China

Jingyi Han, Party Secretary, Xiamen National Accounting Institute

2nd Asia-Pacific Anticorruption and Integrity Forum audience