Media Note Office of the Spokesman Washington, DC May 29, 2001 Fighting Global Corruption: Business Risk ManagementOn May 28, U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands Cynthia Schneider delivered a message from President George W. Bush for the Second Global Forum on Fighting Corruption and Safeguarding Integrity, in The Hague. President Bush emphasized the Administration’s commitment in the international fight against corruption. To further advance the important U.S. foreign policy interests in fighting corruption and promoting good governance, Secretary of State Colin L. Powell is today releasing an updated second edition of the U.S. Department of State publication "Fighting Global Corruption: Business Risk Management." In his Introduction to this new edition, Secretary Powell writes: "As we enter the 21st Century, people throughout the world are rejecting the notion that corruption is inevitable. Success (in fighting corruption) depends on impartial democratic institutions, open elections, and unfettered access to information. Success requires leadership by the private sector and active participation by citizens. Promoting integrity in government and the marketplace improves the global governance climate, nurtures long-term growth, and extends the benefits of prosperity to all people." "As Secretary of State, I am committed to fostering new synergies between economic goals and social progress in our foreign policy... We welcome the continued engagement and support of governments, business and civil society working together toward these important goals." This State Department publication contains information about the benefits of good governance and strong corporate anti-bribery policies, the requirements of U.S. law and the OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions, and other initiatives against corruption underway throughout the world. The brochure provides guidance for U.S. business on reporting procedures relating to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act and unlawful corrupt practices abroad. |