Business Associations are expected to be an active partner to vigorously urge the movement of business integrity in the sectors that they represent, according to Vu Tien Loc, chairman of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI).

Illustrative photo.

This was announced at the workshop “Enhancing Business Sector Engagement through Integrity Pledge Cooperation” jointly organized today by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the British Embassy in Ha Noi.

“The workshop today recognizes the important pledges made by 11 business associations committed to promoting business integrity in Vietnam,” Stephen Taylor, Head of Political Division, British Embassy in Hanoi, said in his opening speech. “We congratulate them for leading the way in promoting Vietnam’s future success by seeking to make Vietnam a better place to do business and hope that many other businesses will follow their example”.

This is a result of a campaign which has been implemented by VCCI to call on business associations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to sign the “Business Integrity Pledge” to promote collective action of business associations to create business integrity culture in Vietnam.

“The professionalism, ethical behavior and integrity of employee, customer and supply chain are an integral part of any business activities,” Vu Tien Loc, Chairman of VCCI, emphasized. “Business associations are expected to be an active partner to vigorously urge the movement of business integrity in the sectors that they represent. It is to call for a collective action to create a solid shield to minimize and prevent risks related to bribery and corruption in all forms of business transactions”.

Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, welcomed the government’s recent efforts through the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Law 2018. “As change takes time, it is key to set up clear milestones and benchmarks to track progress, so that the pledge is not only a promise, but an effective instrument of collective action to build a more transparent and fair business environment in Vietnam,” said Wiesen.

The workshop was attended by more than 70 participants from government agencies, enterprises, business associations, and social organizations. It is one of the key activities of the Government and Business Integrity Initiative (GBII) implemented by VCCI under the UNDP’s Regional Project “Promoting A Fair Business Environment in ASEAN”. This project aims to support the development of transparent mechanisms in both public and private sectors, strengthening the rule of law, preventing corruption, and promoting accountable business models.