International delegates praised the Vietnamese government’s determination and efforts in the fight against corruption through its issue of a national strategy on anti-corruption through 2020 and the president’s approval of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC).

The delegates delivered the comments at a seminar in Hanoi on Oct. 26 that was co-hosted by the Government Inspectorate and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime.

UNDP Country Director in Vietnam Setsuko Yamazaki said the UNCAC’s major objectives are aimed at reinforcing anti-corruption measures, stepping up international cooperation and technical assistance in this fight, and raising the integrity, accountability and correct management of public properties.

By joining the UNCAC, Vietnam and other countries have proved their readiness to combat corruption, she said.

The official said the UN’s working group is willing to assist the government of Vietnam to follow up on its commitment to implementing the UNCAC standards and teaching its values to its citizens.

Koichi Aiboshi, an envoy at the Japanese Embassy in Vietnam , noted that Japan and Vietnam set up a joint committee in September 2008 to prevent corruption related to Japanese official development assistance provided for projects in the Southeast Asian country.

The envoy spoke highly of the Vietnamese government’s endeavours to deploy anti-corruption measures put forth by the joint committee. Aiboshi expressed his hope that these measures will be taken to stave off corruption in projects using ODA funded by other nations.

At the workshop, participants pointed out Vietnam’s shortcomings in its fight against corruption, including those related to the legal system, policies, measures designed for the public sector and financial services, money-laundering and international cooperation.

The seminar will run until Oct. 27. A similar event will be held in Ho Chi Minh City on Oct. 29-30./.