PRIVATE SECTOR TO FIGHT CORRUPTION

Forum challenges private sector to fight corruption

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Monday, 23 April 2012 21:26

digg A Business Machines Limited official explains to potential customers the functions of an ultra modern cash securing facility. Private firms have been challenged to adhere to codes of conduct and principles of transparency in their dealings in efforts to fight corruption. PHOTO | FILE By Veneranda Sumila The Citizen Reporter Dar es Salaam. The private sector in the country has been challenged to be the model in the anti-corruption war in their working environments.The challenge was made during a forum organised by the Tanzania Responsible Business Network (TRBN) to discuss how best to improve ethical conduct in businesses. The forum, which attracted the participation of more than 90 chief executive officers, resolved that low salaries, lack of codes of ethics and the culture of accountability and transparency were part of the problems. “For the private sector to have a bigger impact on society, we need to embrace and role model core ethical standards in our business practices, collectively and individually,” said the TRBN chairman designate James Edmunds last week. For his part, Mr Mikkel Klim, from the Danish embassy, said: “Corruption is increasing because people are not able to get all their basic needs, so as CEOs, you are responsible to ensure that our employees get salaries that can cater for their basic needs.” Citing some examples the National Housing Corporation CEO, Mr Nehemia Mchechu, said corruption levels in 1970s were lower than today’s, all because the Arusha Declaration was in place to check ethical conduct. “The more private companies are listed at the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange the more they open up their books, hence the transparency,” said Mr Ibrahim Kaduma, former minister of Foreign Affairs. For his part the Sumaria Group managing director, Mr Jayesh Shah, said CEOs lead by example and stick to codes of conduct and ethics established in their institutions. The forum came at a time when some institutions in the country such as the police, judiciary, and immigration, Ports Authority and revenue authorities have been ranked poorly in ‘The Doing Business in East Africa’ report 2012. Add this page to your favorite Social Bookmarking websites