NCJ Number
226764
Date Published
December 2008
Length
157 pages
Annotation
This report presents the schedule, proceedings, and final recommendations of the Second Regional Seminar on Good Governance for Southeast Asian Countries, whose theme was “Corruption Control in Public Procurement,” held in Bangkok, Thailand, July 23-25, 2008.
Abstract
The preamble to the “Final Recommendations” notes that corruption in public procurement is a global phenomenon that affects countries at all stages of development. Its adverse effects include projects that exploit taxpayer money or donated funds and may pose dangers to the health and safety of users. Public procurement is noted to be particularly susceptible to corruption because of the vast sums of money governments spend on such programs, the relatively high degree of discretion public officials and politicians typically have in such matters, and the difficulty in detecting and investigating such cases. Comprehensive prevention measures offer the best approach to such corruption. Prevention measures should include clear regulations and transparent procedures in public procurement, including the use of electronic procurement practices that record all decisions and actions; the establishment of procurement boards whose work is documented; and the creation of public awareness of corruption in public procurement. Another recommendation is that criminal justice authorities be independent and free of political and improper influence in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting corruption in public procurement. A third recommendation is that the criminalization of bribery of foreign public officials and officials of public international organizations should be considered by individual countries. Further, “whistleblower” legislation and a witness protection program should be adopted. This report on the seminar includes a list of participants, visiting experts, and organizers; the seminar schedule; and the General Rapporteur’s Report. Presentations from the opening session, the three seminar sessions, and the closing ceremony are provided.