Financial Crime World

Compliance Best Practices Guide in Bhutan: A Key to Reducing Corruption

In 2019, Bhutan launched the National Integrity and Anti-Corruption Strategy 2019-2023, a comprehensive operational framework aimed at curbing corruption. At its core is the Organizational Integrity Plan (OIP), a strategic tool designed to empower agencies to address corruption effectively.

Importance of Organizational Integrity Plans

Unlike mere procedural requirements, OIP is an essential component that must be seamlessly integrated into the core organizational plans of each agency. This ensures ownership and emphasizes that integrity and anti-corruption efforts are integral to their mission. The OIP undergoes periodic reviews to ensure its effective implementation, which involves assessing the incorporation of OIP into key organizational plans.

Promoting Ethical Business Practices

Bhutan’s government has launched various initiatives aimed at promoting ethical business practices. One such initiative is the Business Integrity Initiative in Bhutan (BIIB), a comprehensive program designed to:

  • Enhance sustained ethical business practice in the country
  • Promote corruption-free business
  • Provide equal opportunities
  • Address growing private sector distrust

Collaboration with Civil Society Organizations

To further boost collaboration with civil society organizations (CSOs) in devising approaches to control corruption and promote active citizenry engagement, the CSO and Media Engagement Programme was developed. This initiative promotes:

  • Constructive citizen engagement
  • Participation at various stages of development activities/programs

The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has also collaborated with other government agencies, including the Department of Local Government (DLG), Royal Institute of Management (RIM), and Bhutan Transparency Initiative (BTI), to introduce social accountability tools.

Commitment to Reducing Corruption

These efforts demonstrate Bhutan’s commitment to reducing corruption and promoting transparency and accountability. As a result, the country is expected to make significant progress in achieving its goal of becoming a corruption-free nation.