Financial Crime World

Fiji’s Finance Sector Grappled by Bribery and Corruption, Says FICAC

Nationwide Anti-Bribery Campaign Launched

Suva, Fiji - The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) has launched a nationwide anti-bribery campaign in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) to tackle corruption in the country’s finance sector.

Investment Fiji Joins the Fight Against Corruption

Investment Fiji, the nation’s peak investment agency, has joined the “I Don’t Accept Bribes” campaign, a joint initiative by FICAC and UNDP. The campaign aims to promote integrity and transparency in business dealings, particularly in foreign investment and trade promotion decisions.

Commitment to Transparency

According to Acting Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty, Investment Fiji is committed to maintaining its professional and transparent image, despite being in the transition phase of shifting towards a fully-pledged investment promotion agency. “Our ethical standards are reflective of who we are, and it’s crucial that our employees are trained on anti-bribery measures to protect our organization from corruption-related risks,” Chetty said.

Corruption as an Obstacle to Economic Growth

Corruption has been identified as an obstacle to economic growth, deterring investment and weakening the rule of law. FICAC’s Manager Corruption Prevention, Mrs. Kolora Celua, emphasized Investment Fiji’s critical role in engaging with foreign investors and exporters, stating that maintaining integrity is essential for its success.

UNDP Calls for Action Against Bribery and Corruption

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Anti-Corruption Adviser Sonja Stefanovska- Trajanoska urged the country to take a stand against bribery and corruption, saying it’s crucial for economic growth and national prosperity. “If Fiji’s economy is to continue growing, national prosperity is to increase further, and skilled jobs are to become more plentiful, bribery and corruption cannot be allowed to play even the smallest part in any investment or trade promotion decisions,” she said.

Campaign Supported by UNDP

The campaign has been supported by UNDP under the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project funded by the New Zealand Government. For more information on the campaign, contact: