Publications

	Table of Contents
p. 5 of 10 BACK | NEXT I. Introduction II. ADB'S Response III. Definitions of Corruption IV. The Costs of Corruption V. ADB's Position on Anticorruption Issues Objective no. 1: Supporting Competitive Markets, and Efficient, Effective, Accountable, and Transparent Public Administration Objective no. 2: Supporting Promising Anticorruption Efforts on a Case-by-Case Basis and Improving the Quality of Dialogue on Governance Issues Objective no. 3: Ensuring Bank Projects and Staff Adhere to the Highest Ethical Standards VI. Conclusions and Recommendations VII. Appendixes

Anticorruption

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V. ADB's Position on Anticorruption Issues

32. In light of the discussion above, ADB affirms that corrupt and illicit behavior is a serious brake upon the development process. ADB rejects the argument that corruption’s beneficial effects outweigh its negative consequences, or that it is inappropriate for international financial institutions to address such issues. ADB notes that experience drawn from the Asia and Pacific region and elsewhere demonstrates that significant progress can be made in the struggle against corruption if the proper legal, institutional, and policy reforms are in place. ADB welcomes the growing focus upon anticorruption issues as part of its broader effort to advance the principles of transparency, predictability, accountability, and participation under its governance policy.

33. At the broadest level, ADB’s stance on anticorruption issues is intended to reduce the burden that widespread, systemic corruption exacts upon the economies of the region and the development of ADB’s DMCs. In keeping with Article 36(2) of the Charter, ADB initiatives regarding corruption will be grounded solely upon economic considerations and concerns of sound development management. They will not involve interference in the political affairs of a DMC or be influenced by its political character.

34. More specifically, ADB’s approach is centered upon three basic objectives:

1. supporting competitive markets and efficient, effective, accountable, and transparent public administration as part of ADB’s broader work on good governance and capacity building;

2. supporting promising anticorruption efforts on a case-by-case basis and improving the quality of our dialogue with the DMCs on a range of governance issues, including corruption; and

3. ensuring that ADB projects and staff adhere to the highest financial and ethical standards.

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