The workshop “Enhancing business sector engagement through integrity pledge cooperation” co-organized by VCCI, UNDP Bristish Embassy in Hanoi

Eleven business associations in Vietnam have officially signed the Business Integrity Pledge to uphold the core values of integrity, ethical behavior, and accountability (click here tại đây)

“The workshop today recognizes the important pledges made by eleven business associations committed to promoting business integrity in Vietnam,” Mr. Stephen Taylor, Head of Political Division at the British Embassy in Hanoi, said in his opening address: “We congratulate them for leading the way in promoting Vietnam’s future success by seeking to make it a better place to do business in and hope that many other businesses will follow their example.”

This is the result of a campaign implemented by VCCI calling on business associations in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to sign the Business Integrity Pledge which uphold the core values of integrity, ethical behavior, and accountability in businesses toward collective actions in promoting business integrity.  

“The professionalism, ethical behavior, and integrity of employees, customers, and the supply chain are an integral part of any business activities,” Dr. Vu Tien Loc, Chairman of VCCI, told the gathering. “So after this workshop, business associations are expected to be an active partner and vigorously push the cause of business integrity in sectors where they are present. This calls for collective action to create a solid defense to minimize and prevent risks related to bribery and corruption in all forms of business transactions.”

In her opening address, Ms. Caitlin Wiesen, UNDP Resident Representative in Vietnam, welcomed the government’s recent efforts through the adoption of the Anti-Corruption Law 2018. “As change takes time, it is key to set up clear milestones and benchmarks to track progress, so that the Pledge is not only a promise but also an effective instrument of collective action to build a more transparent and fair business environment in Vietnam,” she said.

The workshop was attended by more than 70 participants from government agencies, enterprises, business associations, and social organizations. It is one of the key activities of the Government and Business Integrity Initiative (GBII) implemented by VCCI under the UNDP’s Regional “Promoting A Fair Business Environment in ASEAN” project. This project aims to support the development of transparent mechanisms in both the public and private sectors, strengthening the rule of law, preventing corruption, and promoting accountable business models.