Response Statement
2002-5-14
In response to media requests for comments in relation to a Bribe Payers Index (BPI) released by the Transparency International (TI) today, which ranks Hong Kong 15th amongst 21 exporting economies in terms of the perceived propensity of companies from le ading exporting economies to pay bribes to senior officials in 15 emerging economies surveyed, a spokesman for the Independent Commission Against Corruption said:
“The ICAC appreciates TI’s efforts in drawing international attention to the problem of bribery through the compilation of the Bribe Payers Index.
It is the first time that Hong Kong is included in the Index as a separate entity. In its first Bribe Payers Index issued by TI in 1999, the TI applied one single rating for China and Hong Kong together.
The BPI relies mainly on responses to a question on how likely companies from the 21 selected exporting economies are to pay bribes to win or retain business. It reflects perceptions, not necessarily the actual situation. Nonetheless, we will take the f indings of the BPI, as well as other surveys, as a reference.
The ICAC will continue to promote business ethics and good corporate governance amongst companies and trade and professional associations in Hong Kong, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre set up under the auspices of the ICAC and s ix major chambers of commerce. Around 70% of listed and major companies, trade and professional associations contacted by the ICAC have adopted codes of conduct.
We will also continue our efforts to reinforce anti-corruption messages and professional ethics in our regular talks and seminars organised for students in tertiary and vocational training institutions. ”
“The ICAC appreciates TI’s efforts in drawing international attention to the problem of bribery through the compilation of the Bribe Payers Index.
It is the first time that Hong Kong is included in the Index as a separate entity. In its first Bribe Payers Index issued by TI in 1999, the TI applied one single rating for China and Hong Kong together.
The BPI relies mainly on responses to a question on how likely companies from the 21 selected exporting economies are to pay bribes to win or retain business. It reflects perceptions, not necessarily the actual situation. Nonetheless, we will take the f indings of the BPI, as well as other surveys, as a reference.
The ICAC will continue to promote business ethics and good corporate governance amongst companies and trade and professional associations in Hong Kong, in conjunction with the Hong Kong Ethics Development Centre set up under the auspices of the ICAC and s ix major chambers of commerce. Around 70% of listed and major companies, trade and professional associations contacted by the ICAC have adopted codes of conduct.
We will also continue our efforts to reinforce anti-corruption messages and professional ethics in our regular talks and seminars organised for students in tertiary and vocational training institutions. ”