Carlos Pimentel, the director of the Public Procurement Agency (DGCP), used the “Ethics as a Foundation for Sustainable Development” online forum of the American Chamber of Commerce to call for legislators to pass the legal reforms needed to counter corruption through the Penal Code and amendments to Law 340-06.
The ruling Modern Revolutionary Party (PRM) is majority in both houses of the Dominican Congress. Nevertheless, media reports have focused on the padding of the Penal Code in the Chamber of Deputies with measures that facilitate corruption instead of combat corruption. The PRM legislators have neglected the passing of the Extinction of Domain Bill, an internationally-approved motion that seeks to combat drug trafficking and administrative corruption worldwide.
“This year should be the year of advancing reforms,” Pimentel said during the virtual event. He emphasized efforts at the Procurement Agency to improve the Dominican public procurement system, including a purge of authorized suppliers, the regulatory compliance programs in place, and the detection in real time of possible collusion in the bids. He spoke of collaboration with the Tax Agency (DGII) to create ways to detect the real beneficiaries in state purchases and thus be able to reduce illicit participation.
“Without ethics there is no business. A company without clear ethical commitments is not reliable. That is why it is important to develop values such as transparency, integrity and participation in public management and the relationship between businesses and the state,” he said.
Roberto de Michele, senior specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), agreed with the Dominican official and added that corruption directly affects companies by increasing uncertainty about the return on their investments. He added that corruption affects the state and citizens alike and increases the cost of the country’s development.
AmchamDR’s executive vice president, William Malamud, stated that companies and government need to redouble efforts to integrate the UN Sustainable Development Goals as a roadmap for achieving development. “It is not enough to overcome the global crisis that is impacting us; this recovery requires maintaining a balance between economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection. Assuming sustainable development supported by the 2030 Agenda as a key route is a recovery strategy that will undoubtedly lead us to a comprehensive transformation for the benefit of all,” said Malamud.
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AmCham
Diario Libre
N Digital
Noticias SIN
N Digital
19 August 2021