Corruption Plagues Businesses in Macedonia

Skopje - A recent study has shed light on the widespread corruption affecting businesses in the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. According to the report, bribery is a common practice among companies operating in the country.

Prevalence of Bribery

The study found that 78.8% of businesses surveyed had at least one direct contact with a public official or civil servant within the past 12 months. This trend was observed across all five business sectors studied, with varying rates of interaction between industries.

Definition of Bribery

The report defines bribery as the promise, offering or giving to a public official of an undue advantage in exchange for the official acting or refraining from acting in their official duties.

Results

The results show that 6.5% of businesses surveyed had given a public official an undue advantage in exchange for favorable treatment. This translates to around one out of every 15 businesses operating in the country.

Impact on Businesses

The study highlights that bribery often takes place during direct interactions between business representatives and public officials, such as health inspections, tax filings or building permit requests. The researchers emphasize that these illicit transactions can have a significant impact on the competitiveness and legitimacy of businesses.

Recommendations

The report aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, business organizations and the general public in Macedonia. By understanding the extent and patterns of corruption affecting businesses, stakeholders can develop effective strategies to combat this issue and promote transparency and accountability in government and business dealings.

Conclusion

The research is part of a larger study on corruption and crime in the Western Balkans region, conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The findings are expected to inform policy decisions and guide anti-corruption efforts in Macedonia and beyond.