DHAKA: UK Foreign Secretary William Hague, International Anti-Corruption Champion Ken Clarke and International Development Secretary Justine Greening issued a joint statement to mark International Anti-Corruption Day on Monday.

The 10th December 2013, marks the 10 year anniversary of the passage of the United Nations Convention against Corruption on Monday.

The joint statements came out on importance of reducing corruption and increasing transparency fort improving global stability and prosperity.

The Foreign Secretary said: “Reducing corruption and increasing transparency is at the heart of this Government’s agenda,  through our Presidency of the G8 this year, the UK has secured a landmark agreement to promote tax transparency, tackle the misuse of ownership and legal arrangements by large companies, and announced plans for a UK register of beneficial ownership.”

In the statement, Ken Clarke said, “In my capacity as the UK Government’s Anti-Corruption Champion I am looking forward to working across Government to tackle efforts by those who launder the proceeds of corruption through the UK financial system.”  

“There is more to do, however, if we have to raise our standing at home and reduce corruption overseas also continue to raise international awareness about our strong and comprehensive Bribery Act.”

In this regard, International Development Secretary Justine Greening said:  “When corruption happens in developing countries, it is the very poorest people who foot the bill. It deters investment, cheats citizens out of the services and support they need to develop their economies and end aid dependency.

“Stamping out corruption, fraud, money laundering and tax evasion is a vital part of our work.  We are tackling the root causes and will support Britain’s world class police units to bring the culprits to justice.”

Besides, UK aid-funded programmes are in place to help tackle endemic corruption, fraud and misuse of public funds in 29 priority countries.

BDST: 1805 HRS, DEC 09, 2013