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Following is the opening address delivered by the Chief Executive, Mr Tung Chee Hwa, at the ICAC-Interpol Conference at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre this (January 22) morning:
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
First of all, I wish to congratulate the ICAC - Interpol on the success of this conference, a conference which has attracted over 500 delegates including anti-corruption experts, law enforcers, representatives from world organisations, and financial institutions and academia around the world. It is indeed a great honour for Hong Kong to co-host this global conference with the world's preeminent organisations.
I would also like to extend my warmest welcome to all our participants, who come from all over the world and yet share a commitment to the same cause. The participation of 65 law enforcement agencies from more than 59 jurisdictions and eight international organisations in this conference reflects a truly global partnership in fighting corruption.
Corruption is a social crime. Its adverse effects on a society can be very significant if left unchecked. It can erode the rule of law, undermine the efficiency of governments, stifle economic development, and in some cases may trigger social and political unrest.
With accelerated economic globalisation and rapid advances in technology, corruption today transcends national boundaries, and has taken on a new dimension. It has become a means to facilitate and perpetuate syndicated crimes, including international money laundering schemes, massive commercial fraud scams, cross-border drug trafficking, smuggling of human beings and many other serious crimes.
To tackle corruption as a global issue and a cross-border crime, we need a global approach and a border-less alliance. Hong Kong's ICAC and Interpol have built up a very solid relationship over the years to combat corruption through the promotion of international co-operation and strategic alliance.
Hong Kong is a premier international financial centre, and is widely recognised as one of the most competitive and freest economies in the world. Among the many fundamental strengths that Hong Kong possesses, I am particularly proud that we are rated as one of the least corrupt places in the world, according to the Corruption Perceptions Index released by Transparency International in August 2002.
Such a ranking reflects years of constant effort by the ICAC, by the Police, by the Government and the public to keep Hong Kong clean. In another survey by the same organisation, Hong Kong was ranked at the bottom of economies whose governments are likely to be associated with practices to gain unfair advantage in international trade and investment.
Despite these achievements, there is no room for complacency. At the moment, we are facing tremendous challenges as our economy grapples with restructuring. It is at times like these, when margins are thin or turnover lacklustre, that the temptation to take short-cuts or seek illicit advantage rears its ugly head. We are fortunate that we have a strong institutional framework to buttress our efforts. These are well known to you all: a tried and trusted legal system upheld by an independent judiciary, the free flow of information, a robust and critical media that operates in an unfettered environment, a highly trained and professional police force, and a top-notch anti-corruption agency that has been used as a model by governments around the world.
Anti-corruption work has always been one of our Government's most fundamental pledges to the community, and we have rendered full support to the ICAC in the fight against corruption and to maintain Hong Kong as a clean world city.
I am particularly pleased that our community is also overwhelmingly supportive to the work of the ICAC. In the eyes of the public, the ICAC is well known for its tenacity, impartiality and professionalism.
Like any law enforcement agency in other parts of the world, Hong Kong's ICAC faces tremendous challenges. The Commission is tackling more corruption cases of an increasingly complex, sophisticated and globalised nature. However, I have full confidence in the Commission's determination, perseverance and ability to rise above all these challenges. The Commission will continue to play a significant role in upholding Hong Kong's image as a world city with a clean government and a level playing field for business, as well as promoting the global campaign against corruption.
This conference provides a valuable forum for all participants to share experiences and to exchange ideas and initiatives for tackling corruption.
I am sure everyone here will benefit in one way or another. Ladies and gentlemen, I now declare the ICAC - Interpol Conference open, and wish you a fruitful and very memorable stay in Hong Kong.
Thank you.
End/Wednesday, January 22, 2003
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