Upon invitation by Organization for Economic Co-operation & Development (OECD), a two-member delegation, led by the Commissioner from the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) attended Global Anti-Corruption & Integrity Forum on the theme “Fostering public integrity policies and strengthening anti-corruption frameworks in Asia-Pacific” from 26-27 March 2025 in Paris.
During the opening remarks, the Commissioner emphasized Bhutan’s steadfast commitment to combat corruption, underscoring its critical role in promoting national integrity and sustainable development. The Commissioner highlighted Bhutan’s recent improvement in the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) score, attributing it to the country’s effective anti-corruption initiatives, which are reinforced by strong legal frameworks and institutional mechanisms. The ACC continues to align its strategic interventions with the 13th Five-Year Plan, prioritizing proactive investigations, integrity vetting, and enhanced public sector accountability. Most importantly, the Commissioner underscored that Bhutan’s holistic approach, driven by visionary leadership and collective action remains pivotal in realizing the nation’s long-term vision of transforming into a High-Income GNH country.
Additionally, the Commissioner shared insights on Bhutan’s experience in “Promoting a Clean Environment for Sustainable Business Growth in Southeast Asia: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships”. The Commissioner highlighted that Bhutan’s economic growth goals faces challenges such as regulatory inefficiencies, limited access to finance, and corruption risks. To address these issues, Bhutan has revised its Business Integrity Initiative, focusing on awareness, incentives, and leadership to promote ethical business practices. Bhutan’s efforts align with broader regional strategies in Southeast Asia and OECD recommendations, emphasizing the importance of a clean, competitive business environment for attracting responsible investment and enhancing trust in economic governance. Further, the Commissioner underscored that moving forward, enhancing public-private partnerships and integrating digital innovations into regulatory frameworks will be key to sustaining Bhutan’s business integrity and fostering sustainable economic growth.
Alongside the main event, the delegation engaged in bilateral meetings with representatives from the OECD and the Basel Institute on Governance on the sidelines, fostering collaboration and enhancing strategic partnerships.
