The Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) continues its national wide anti bribery campaign and integrity efforts by embracing more stakeholders taking up the campaign and spreading the message of anti-bribery across the nation.

Investment Fiji has become the latest public statutory organisation to join the “I don’t accept
bribes’ campaign, a joint nationwide initiative by FICAC with the UN Development Programme
(UNDP) under the United Nations Pacific Regional Anti-Corruption (UN-PRAC) project funded
by the New Zealand Government.

The launch of the anti-bribery campaign took place on Wednesday 13 April 2022, in the
presence of executives from Investment Fiji and representatives from FICAC and UNDP.
The launch alongside the badging ceremony was of significant importance as the campaign
is aligned with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and specifically Sustainable
Development Goal 16 which calls for countries to improve their governance systems and fight
corruption.

In his keynote address, Acting Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty stated that Investment
Fiji has always remained professional and transparent in its role as an agency that is
committed to developing a sustainable and successful nation by stimulating investment and
exports.

“Our ethical standards are reflective of who we are and while we are in the transition phase of
shifting towards a fully-fledged Investment Promotion Agency, the Government has a lot of
expectations from us. Hence, I understand this is an opportune time to train our employees
on anti-bribery measures in order to protect our organization from any corruption-related risks,”
mentioned Chetty.

Bribery and corruption have always been an obstacle to economic growth and their detrimental
and direct effect often lead to a decrease in the productivity level.
The Acting CEO further mentioned that the widespread corruption deters investment, weakens
economic growth, and undermines the rule of law.

Speaking at the launch, FICAC’s Manager Corruption Prevention, Kolora Celua stated
that Investment Fiji, being Fiji’s peak investment agency, have a critical role to play in engaging
with foreign investors and exporters; and in doing so, must maintain its integrity as an
independent and a transparent investment promotion agency.

UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji Anti-Corruption Adviser, Sonja Stefanovska – Trajanoska stated,
“If Fiji’s economy is to continue to grow, if national prosperity is to increase further, and if
skilled jobs for young people are to become more plentiful, bribery and corruption cannot be
allowed to play even the smallest part in any investment or trade promotion decisions. The ‘I
don’t accept bribes’ badges are a significant symbol not only of Investment Fiji’s commitment
to integrity, but also of its determination to deliver a more prosperous and fairer future for
everyone in Fiji.”

In concluding her remarks, FICAC’s Manger Corruption Prevention, Kolora Celua stated
that the commitment of Investment Fiji to embark on this collective journey is important;
because by working against corruption in all its forms, Investment Fiji will make a measurable
difference for the nation and Fijian businesses by executing its core roles and responsibilities
for foreign investors and local exporters based on the values of integrity and anti-corruption.
The campaign is supported by UNDP under the United Nations Pacific Regional AntiCorruption (UN-PRAC) project funded by the New Zealand Government.