Maravi

Business Forum joins fight against corruption

Business Forum joins fight against corruption
By Joan Chirwa
Friday April 11, 2008 [04:00]

ZAMBIA Business Forum (ZBF) has partnered with the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in the fight against corruption while promoting economic development in the country. In a press release, ZBF chief executive, Reginald Mfula stated that the partnership was an indication that ethical leaders in both business and the government shared a common objective of promoting Zambia as a corruption-free and business friendly environment, which was open to safe investment and fair trade.

“By demonstrating our shared commitment and common resolve to fight corruption, business and government will be establishing an ethical framework for all transactions between representatives of our two institutions,” Mfula stated. “ZBF, and its member associations, believe that working with ACC will support our overall goals of promoting the economic growth and development of the nation.”

The emerging “Public-Private Partnership Against Corruption” will be codified in an agreement expected to be signed by the ACC and ZBF at a national forum scheduled for early May this year.

A nationwide survey of business leaders is currently being conducted where ZBF and the ACC are collecting data from different business institutions.
Among the institutions earmarked for the provision of information on effects of corruption on business include Zambia National Farmers Union, Bankers Association of Zambia, Chamber of Mines, Tourism Council of Zambia, Zambia Association of Manufacturers, Zambia Chamber of Small and Medium Business Associations and the Zambia Indigenous Business Associations. Based on the tabulated results, a programme of activities be developed and presented at the national forum.

And ACC director general, Nixon Banda praised the business community for its willingness to join the government in a Public-Private Partnership Against Corruption.
“This partnership reflects the new maturity of Zambia, where business and government share a common purpose of promoting transparency, integrity, fairness, and justice for all. Business leaders are honorable men and women,” stated Banda.

“We welcome them as our allies in this battle against corruption, a battle which our nation must wage with great conviction, using the combined resources of government and business.”

Labels: ACC, ZAMBIA BUSINESS FORUM

posted by MrK @ 3:21 AM