Mexico Conference: Implementing the OECD Convention Against Corruption: Working with the Private Sector

Mexico City, 19-20 September 2002

In parallel with the monitoring process of the OECD Convention against international bribery, the OECD Secretariat is developing complementary initiatives to ensure the efficient implementation of this key instrument. The general philosophy is to complement the legalistic work linked to the implementation of the Convention with activities focused on the prevention of corruption in international transactions, that promote the adoption of internal prevention mechanisms in firms and in public administrations. These initiatives are meant also to create bridges between the related regulatory trends of corporate governance and corporate responsibility, and to develop the dialogue and collaboration with the business community.

Against this background, the OECD and the Mexican government jointly organised a conference on 19-20 September 2002, in Mexico City on "Implementing the OECD Convention Against Corruption: Working with the Private Sector".

The Mexico conference had three objectives:

1. Provide information on the OECD Convention and other OECD instruments to the Mexican and Latin American business community. Encourage other Latin American countries to undertake similar promotional efforts towards their local business community (seminars, workshops, press communication, private sector dialogue, etc.).
2. Encourage companies to adopt compliance programmes and mechanisms.
3. Encourage complementary reform trends on public procurement systems and accounting standards in the region, in a corruption prevention perspective. Take stock of the Mexican experience and encourage Latin American governments to consult businesses in these reform processes.

The conference also aimed at contributing to support the implementation of the OAS Convention, as the policy issues addressed in this event are also covered by the CIACC.

The conference was broadcast live on the Internet and provided an opportunity to address questions and comments to the speakers during the discussions via email.

The detailed conference agenda can be downloaded in English or Spanish. Further information is available on the website of the Government of Mexico: http://www.secodam.gob.mx/ocde/.