Message from Commissioner,
Independent Commission Against Corruption,
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

The 4th Symposium is held this year as the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region commemorates the 35th anniversary of its establishment. The title of the Symposium is "Deals Under the Table - the Doing or Undoing of Business?" It aims to help us focus our minds on the impact of corruption in business on the global community. The present financial crisis has brought home the extent to which the world is now a universal economy, and how much the way we do business in one part of the world can affect the lives of people in other countries or territories.

The ICAC has long recognized the importance of forming strategic partnerships in the international arena to more effectively combat corruption. On this occasion, the Commission is privileged to have as our co-host the European Anti-Fraud Office whose remit makes it a particularly appropriate partner of ours, given the theme of this Symposium.

Eminent experts from anti-corruption and related fields will share knowledge in combating corruption and exchange views on the importance of ethics in the business place. I trust the Symposium will provide delegates from all over the world with an excellent opportunity for discussion and experience sharing. I look forward to meeting you at the event.


Dr. Timothy HM Tong
Commissioner
Independent Commission Against Corruption
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region

Message from Director General,
European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF),
European Commission

OLAF is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. To co-host this Symposium with the ICAC which, in the eyes of most, is the organisation best symbolising continued success in fighting corruption and related offences, is an honour and encouragement for us.

Success is born of integrity, commitment and good legal instruments. But it also depends on international co-operation and this, for those of us with limited coercive powers, is no less an important ingredient in finding success in our work. We need to build partnerships. Our experience has shown that corrupt individuals, companies and governments are remarkably adept at exploiting the restraints we face in passing information between ourselves and operating across borders.

The economic crisis has exposed many weaknesses in our systems of financial regulation and ethical practices. Even though many of these are being addressed there can be little doubt that this global turmoil creates a climate in which those prepared to operate in a corrupt manner will be more adventurous and desperate. Shrinking markets generate more individuals and companies striving to obtain and maintain market share. This in turn is likely to stimulate more corruption and more irregular practices. Unless we act collaboratively and decisively they will get the upper hand. An international Symposium of this kind is the opportunity to send the message that we will redouble our efforts to defeat them by working more closely, more effectively and more quickly.


Mr. Franz-Hermann Brüner
Director General
European Anti-Fraud Office
European Commission