Investment Fiji is working with the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) to ensure its investment, trade and export advisors are fully aware of the anti-corruption laws and evolving nature of corrupt practices.

The Fiji government’s investment arm together with FICAC held an anti-corruption training for its advisors today.

Given the important role of Investment Fiji, that is to attract foreign direct investments and assist local exporters, the training on anti-corruption laws was timely for the organisation.

Investment Fiji’s chief executive officer, Godo Mueller- Teut says the objective is to ensure the organisation understands the risks and work well within the boundaries of the laws, either internally or while engaging with foreign investors and exporters.

“The training is a big leap towards maintaining the integrity of Investment Fiji as an independent and a transparent investment promotion agency in the country. Investment Fiji maintains the highest level transparency and accountability in the organisation,” Mr Mueller- Teut said.

The chief erxecutive adds initiatives as such empowers the advisors and will go a long way in addressing the issue of corruption in the country.

“As public office holders, we are vulnerable to such practices.

“We have to ensure that we carry out our work diligently and with honesty.

“As an organisation, we have zero tolerance on any activity that undermines our work ethics, good governance and trust.” he said.

In its bid to educate public office holders on the evolving nature of corruption, FICAC has been actively engaging with government ministries and departments such as Investment Fiji.

FICAC’s Principal Corruption Prevention Officer, Arti Naidu says this is part of FICAC’s awareness programs.

“We feel it’s very important we are aware of what the laws are.

“We are looking at the impact that such training will have on investors as well. Nature of corrupt practices is getting sophisticated day by day.

“People are inventing new ideas to cheat the system and that is why it is important that we do more education awareness programmes now,” Ms Naidu said.

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