APEC member economies agree on measures to fight corruption

World leaders attending the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit here have agreed to fight corruption, which affects regional stability and prosperity.

"We support the Beijing Declaration on Fighting Corruption and welcome the APEC Principles on the Prevention of Bribery and Enforcement of Anti-Bribery Laws, and APEC General Elements of Effective Voluntary Corporate Compliance Programs," the leaders stated in a declaration they issued on Tuesday (Nov. 11).

"We commit to work together against corruption and deny safe haven for corrupt officials and their illicitly-acquired assets."

The leaders also encouraged member economies of the APEC to strengthen their cooperation and coordination on the repatriation or extradition of corrupt officials, as well as the confiscation and recovery of proceeds from corruption.

This is through the use of anti-corruption mechanisms and platforms, such as the APEC Network of Anti-Corruption and Law Enforcement Agencies (ACT-NET).

At the same time, the leaders agreed to cooperate so that member economies could work together in disaster preparedness, risk reduction, response and post-disaster recovery, through a more robust networking among disaster management departments and the application of science and technology.

"We reiterate our resolve to create a secure and resilient environment for economic activities and connectivity in the APEC region and continue concerted efforts to implement the APEC Consolidated Counter-Terrorism and Secure Trade Strategy," they stated in the declaration.

President Aquino, together with other world leaders, gathered by the Yanqi Lake here on Tuesday for the closing session of the 22nd APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting, which had for its theme “Shaping the Future through Asia-Pacific Partnership.”

During the meeting, they held substantial discussions on advancing regional economic integration, promoting innovative development, economic reform and growth, and strengthening comprehensive connectivity and infrastructure development. (PCOO News Release)