Key OECD anti-corruption programmes

The OECD brings expertise from across the organisation to the fight against corruption. Key programmes aim to:

Combat the “supply side” of bribery

The supply side of bribery – or, active bribery – involves the person or entity who offers, promises or gives a bribe. The OECD Convention on Combating Bribery of Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions requires countries to make bribery of foreign public officials to obtain or retain business a crime.

Prevent bribery through export credits

Export credit agencies provide insurance, loans and loan guarantees on behalf of governments to support export sales. The 2006 OECD Recommendation on Bribery and Officially Supported Export Credits is their pledge to take concrete steps to deter bribery in the export deals they support.

Deny tax deductibility of bribes

The 1996 Recommendation of the OECD Council on the Tax Deductibility of Bribes to Foreign Public Officials aims to end businesses’ ability to claim bribes to foreign officials as tax deductible expenses.

Promote responsible business conduct

The OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises cover all areas of business ethics, including combating bribery.

Prevent corruption in the public sector

The OECD promotes good governance in the public sector to prevent the “demand side” of corruption. The 2008 Recommendation on Enhancing Integrity in Public Procurement, the 2003 Recommendation on Guidelines for Managing Conflict of Interest in the Public Sector and the 1998 Recommendation on Improving Ethical Conduct in the Public Service induce countries to review and modernise their integrity policies and practices.

Improve governance through development assistance

Corruption hinders progress towards development goals for both donor and recipient countries. The OECD’s Principles for Donor Action in Anti-Corruption brings donors together to address the supply side of corruption in this area. The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness defines a clear, practical plan to improve the impact of development aid.

Regional anti-corruption programmes

In order to combat corruption globally, the OECD and its project partners have established specialised websites for many of their regional anti-corruption programmes.