Fiji’s First Commercial Entity Joins Fight Against Bribery and Corruption
Suva, Fiji - In a significant move, HFC Bank has joined the “I Don’t Accept Bribes” campaign, making it the first institution in the business sector to do so. This partnership with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) marks a major milestone in the fight against corruption and bribery.
HFC Bank Commits to Anti-Corruption Efforts
As part of this initiative, all HFC Bank staff will undergo anti-bribery training conducted by FICAC’s Corruption Prevention team. The bank has also committed to enhancing its policies and processes to strengthen its risk management and compliance culture.
Key Quotes
- “It is crucial for HFC Bank to work closely with relevant authorities to combat crimes such as money laundering and terrorism financing.” - Rakesh Ram, CEO of HFC Bank
- “Bribery is often perceived as a victimless crime, but in reality, it can lead to significant damage to institutions and perceptions of public trust.” - Rashmi Aslam, FICAC Deputy Commissioner
The Importance of Private Sector Engagement
FICAC Deputy Commissioner Rashmi Aslam praised the management and staff of HFC Bank for joining the campaign, stating that it is a privilege to have them on board. She encouraged the team to continue promoting values such as integrity and honesty, highlighting the importance of addressing corruption with innovative approaches.
Reva Makanje Aalbaek, UNDP Effective Governance Team Leader, echoed these sentiments, stating that the private sector has a critical role to play in preventing resource drainage caused by corruption and investing in development outcomes for Fijians. She noted that the commitment of private sector entities like HFC Bank is essential in aligning with the United Nations Global Compact principle 10, which calls for businesses to work against corruption in all its forms.
The “I Don’t Accept Bribes” Campaign
The “I Don’t Accept Bribes” campaign aims to enhance awareness, avoidance, and detection of bribery and corruption crimes. With HFC Bank on board, FICAC hopes to extend this initiative to other private sector entities and promote a culture of integrity across Fiji.
Conclusion
By joining the “I Don’t Accept Bribes” campaign, HFC Bank has demonstrated its commitment to promoting good governance and preventing corruption. This partnership is a significant step towards creating a more transparent and accountable business environment in Fiji.