Business updates

The Anti-Corruption Compliance Training for Enterprises, organised by the MCCI and the COMESA Business Council, saw the participation of about 40 employees from both the private and public sector. Held on 31st October - 1st November, the event was officially launched by the Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Hon. Dharmendar Sesungkur. 

In his speech, the Minister stressed upon the importance of complying to anti-corruption and good governance practices. He put forward that initiatives taken by the Government to eradicate corruption have to be supported by the private sector so that they can be implemented. He also underlined that frequent sensitization with businesses to promote anti-corruption practices must be done at all hierarchical levels in the company.

Mr. Barlen Pillay, Acting Secretary-General of the MCCI, highlighted the collaboration of MCCI with the public sector institution ICAC to promote an anti-corruption compliance environment for enabling business to thrive. He recalled that the MCCI forms part of the Public-Private Platform Against Corruption, set up following the Anti-Corruption Business Forum organized by the ICAC and the private sector in 2013. He stated that: 'Without doubt, business associations and chambers of commerce, acting individually or in coalitions, play an essential role in promoting integrity and good governance to create a level playing field across national and international markets.'

Ms. Sandra Uwera, CEO of the COMESA Business Council, who was also present during the launching, explained that through the CBC Business Integrity Project, a project of the COMESA Business Council (CBC) in partnership with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the objective of the CBC is to build the capacity of the private sector to stem corruption and enhance their participation in transparency and reform initiatives to achieve a good and enabling business environment. She also stated that CBC will develop a Regional Model Code on Anti-Corruption Compliance for enterprises. The Code will be available for use and adoption by enterprises in the COMESA region.

Mr. Navin Beekarry, Director General of the ICAC, also delivered a speech on this occasion, whereby he stressed upon the different types of cases encountered as well as the importance of anti-corruption promotion in the country. Ms. Lola Adekanye, representative of the Center for International Private Enterprise, stated that Mauritius may be first in Africa according to the Mo Ibrahim Index, but further initiatives have to be taken to wipe off corruption which still exists across all the sectors of the economy.

The two-day training saw an active engagement from the participants who agreed that cases of corruption CAN emerge at all levels and that any employee may be at risk. The MCCI also noted a growing demand from the business community present for similar events.

From left to right: Mr. Navin Beekarry, Director General of the Independent Commission Against Corruption, Ms. Sandra Uwera, CEO of the COMESA Business Council, Hon. Dharmendar Sesungkur, Minister of Financial Services and Good Governance, Ms. Lola Adekanye, representative of the Center for International Private Enterprise, and Mr. Barlen Pillay, Acting Secretary-General of the MCCI.

Pictures of the training can be viewed here