The 2013 Vietnam Anti-Corruption Initiative (VACI) programme commenced on June 11, aiming to bring into play society’s roles and responsibilities in the field through raising public awareness of the law on preventing and combating corruption.

The programme, which is co-organised by the Government Inspectorate, the World Bank (WB) and other sponsors, includes an innovative contest and a knowledge exchange forum.

Forty outstanding projects on ways to fight corruption have been selected for the final round of the creative competition. Authors of the projects are scheduled to present their idea to the jury on June 11.

According to Deputy Inspector General Tran Duc Luong, anti-corruption work in Vietnam has witnessed positive change over the past time due to the determination and efforts of the country’s political system and the entire society. VACI 2013 is part of the practical activities to promote society’s involvement, increase international cooperation in this field while demonstrating the country’s political determination and responsibility in performing its obligations as a member of the UN Convention against Corruption ( UNCA C).

James Anderson, a WB representative, said the programme shows the resolve of the Government Inspectorate, ministries and agencies in facilitating and collaborating with non-governmental agencies, the private sector and the media in the anti-corruption fight.

Building on the success of the 2011 programme and Vietnam Innovation Day (VID) 2009, VACI 2013 symbolises the long-term cooperation between the Government Inspectorate and development partners, social organisations and the private sector towards the common goal of enhancing transparency, integrity and accountability to reduce corruption.

On June 12, the organising board is expected to announce winning projects and hold a knowledge exchange forum themed “Using information technology and telecommunications in preventing and fighting corruption”.-VNA