On February 15, the Corporate Governance Center, the Armenian Lawyers’ Association and the Yerevan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, held a roundtable discussion on the “Role of Business in the Fight against Corruption:  Armenian Reality” within the framework of  within the framework of the cooperation with the “Center for International Private Enterprise”.

Ms Narine Melikyan, President of Corporate Governance Center delivered opening remarks at the event. She presented the main objectives and components of the “Armenia: Promoting Anti-Corruption Conduct and Reform” project, which is implemented by), the Armenian Lawyers Association, the Corporate Governance Center and the Yerevan Chamber of Commerce and Industry funded by the “Center for International Private Enterprise”. She also touched upon the role of the Corporate Governance Center in the project.

According to her, the objective of the project is to improve the perception of anti-corruption compliance in Armenian business sector, the promotion of public-private partnership within the framework of the sector. Narine Melikyan noted that trainings for business representatives both in Yerevan and in regions would be organized in the coming months. It is also planned to provide assistance to companies for the elaboration and implementation of the anti-corruption compliance program.

“We will try to prepare materials for collective cooperation, collective anti-corruption measures within the framework of this program,” Narine Melikyan said.

Ms Mariam Zadoyan, a representative of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, presented the activities performed to combat corruption in the business sector. According to her, within the framework of the anti-corruption program, which was implemented about 3 years ago, a report on Corruption Risks in Business had been prepared and about 117 proposals were submitted to the Government. Most proposals on tax, customs, free economic competition, permits and licenses, public procurement, and systemic business reforms have been adopted or are in implementation phase.

“Currently, ALA’s offices in Yerevan, Gyumri, Vanadzor, Kapan and Gavar are working with about 75 small and medium-sized businesses. The information on anti-corruption compliance and its purpose has already been presented to SME representatives. They have been familiarized with risks that corruption may cause for their businesses,” Mariam Zadoyan said.

She also mentioned that these companies will participate in the trainings scheduled for March. Lawyers will also provide them with free legal advice and help to incorporate the anti-corruption compliance program in their companies.

Mr. Vladimir Amiryan presented the role of chambers of commerce and industry in the fight against corruption. He noted that the public and private sectors are already interested in the program. “I think the topic is becoming more relevant now. We have selected some directions of action. A new guide on anti-corruption compliance will be developed, and it will be presented to the public next month. Questionnaires have been complied with the other two partners, and trainings will be organized in the private sector as well. After that, if requested, we will work to introduce compliance programs in these organizations,” Vladimir Amiryan said.

Narine Melikyan presented the results of the survey “The Role of Business in Combating Corruption: Armenian Reality”. She noted that the survey was conducted through a poll with joint efforts of the three organizations. 188 organizations participated in the survey.

The survey aimed to:

• reveal the attitude of the Armenian private sector toward corruption;
• awareness raising on anti-corruption practices;
• the main measures to be taken and implemented by the private sector to ensure anti-corruption compliance.

“The level of awareness about corruption and its consequences was high in the surveyed companies, there was a negative and critical attitude towards corruption,” Narine Melikyan said, referring to other key figures.

Additionally, representatives of the business sector, who also were participating the discussion, showed great interest and expressed their willingness to participate in the upcoming courses. They expressed readiness for introducing the anti-corruption compliance program in their companies.

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.