The questionnaires the “Role of Business in the Fight against Corruption” have been elaborated within the framework of the “Armenia: Promoting Anti-Corruption Conduct and Reforms” Project, which is implemented by the “Center for International Private Enterprise” (CIPE), the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO (ALA), the “Corporate Governance Center” (CGC), and the “Yerevan Chamber of Commerce and Industry” (YerCCI). 16 business organizations operating in Yerevan have completed the questionnaire and joined the program .
16 companies carry out various activities. translation, engraving, photography services, web site development and internet services, accounting services, auto-moto training, information technology services, legal services, business consulting, trade, tourism, restaurant services and so on.
The head of only one of these organizations is woman.
The process is not time consuming, it is possible to complete the questionnaire both electronically and on paper.
The purpose of these questionnaires is to identify the private sector’s attitude towards corruption in the business, the perception of the private sector of anti-corruption compliance, and the measures implemented and planned by the private sector to ensure the anti-corruption compliance.
Lusine Nalbandyan, a lawyer for the “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project, noted that organizations were largely unaware of the anti-corruption compliance. “The organizations were interested in the organizations that have intr0duced the anti-corruption compliance program and in which countries such programs are operational. They also did not know that the codes of conduct in the Anti-Corruption Compliance Program are mandatory and we will support and develop codes of conduct for each company within the framework of the program,” she said. According to Lusine Nalbandyan, according to the participants who filled in the questionnaires, in case if the program is widespread, it will limit corruption manifestations and spreading.
Additionally, parallel to Yerevan they have questionnaires have been completed n Gyumri, Gavar, Vanadzor and Kapan.
It should be noted that SME representatives from different spheres will be involved within the framework of the project. SMEs will be supported in filling in the questionnaires on capacity building and risk assessment; a 1-day training on basic anti-corruption principles and mechanisms will be conducted; anti-corruption policy development and implementation as well as individual consultations will be carried out..
Notably the objective of the project is to combat corruption in the business sector, to introduce the Anti-Corruption Compliance Standards within the Armenian business community, and implementing Anti-Corruption Compliance Programs in SMEs.
This material has been prepared in the scope of the “Armenia: Promoting Anti-Corruption Conduct and Reforms” Project implemented by the “Center for International Private Enterprise”, the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO, the “Corporate Governance Center” NGO and the “Yerevan Chamber of Commerce and Industry” with financial support of the National Endowment for Democracy. The project is implemented as a co-financing to the “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” action implemented with the financial support of the European Union by a Consortium comprising the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO, the “Armenian Center for Democratic Education-CIVITAS” NGO, the “International Center for Human Development” NGO, the “SME Cooperation Association” NGO, the Union of Communities of Armenia, as well as “Agora Central Europe” NGO (Czech Republic). The contents of this material are the sole responsibility of the “Armenian Lawyers’ Association” NGO and can in no way be taken to reflect the views of the National Endowment for Democracy and the European Union.
