Corruption stops economic progress, says official

BY MARK HAIHUIE
CORRUPTION halts economic progress and requires regional cooperation to address it, says an Apec delegate.
Chilean delegate Claudia Ortega told The National that this was a topic in discussions by the anti-corruption and transparency experts working group meeting held yesterday.
“We have had very-successful meetings for the past two days and will have another tomorrow (today),” she said.
“We found that the work done by PNG for this year as hosts has been extraordinary.
Chairman of the working group Dr Lawrence Kalinoe said in his opening address yesterday that corruption remained a serious threat to sustainable economic growth.
“In each of our economies, we are faced with the realities of corruption and the effect it has on development and the communities,” he said.
“We must therefore strengthen our efforts into building resilient systems.
“I understand many of you have travelled a great distance to be here, which is a testament to the commitment of our economies to continue to combat corruption in the Asia-Pacific region.”