Financial Crime World

Businesses in Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia Face High Risk of Corruption and Crime

A recent survey conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has revealed that a significant proportion of businesses in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia are vulnerable to corruption and crime.

Survey Highlights

  • 78.8% of surveyed businesses had at least one direct contact with a public official or civil servant in the past year.
  • Around 6.5% of these businesses had given money, gifts, or other favors to public officials on at least one occasion.
  • The survey found that bribery is a significant problem in the country, with around one out of fifteen businesses having given money or gifts to public officials on at least one occasion.

Need for Strengthening Integrity and Transparency

The report highlights the need for strengthening integrity and transparency between public offices and the business sector, as well as promoting an enabling environment for business development in the country. Corruption is a significant barrier to economic growth and development, and it is essential that we work together to address this issue.

Recommendations

To combat corruption, the government is recommended to:

  • Increase transparency in public procurement processes
  • Strengthen whistleblower protection laws
  • Improve the accountability of public officials

Quotes from Experts

“The findings of this survey are a wake-up call for both the government and businesses in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,” said [Name], UNODC Representative. “Corruption is a significant barrier to economic growth and development, and it is essential that we work together to address this issue.”

“The prevalence of bribery is a serious concern for businesses operating in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia,” said [Name], Director of the State Statistical Office. “We need to take concrete steps to address this issue and create an environment that is conducive to fair competition and economic growth.”

Conclusion

The fight against corruption requires a sustained effort from all stakeholders. We need to work together to create a culture of integrity and transparency that benefits everyone.

Full Report Available

The full report is available on the UNODC website.