Thinley Namgay
Experts regard the promotion of public-private partnerships (PPPs) as one of the most essential strategies for enhancing business integrity and fostering long-term economic development in any country.
A PPP is an institutional framework that facilitates private sector involvement alongside a public sector agency in the development and delivery of efficient and cost-effective socio-economic goods and services.
During the third day of the 2024 Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific’s Regional Seminar in Thimphu, experts from the Asia-Pacific region highlighted the numerous benefits of PPPs. They drew the participants to focus that these partnerships promote transparency, uphold trust, reduce corruption, enhance accountability, leverage resources and expertise, and cultivate a culture of ethical behaviour.
In recent years, Bhutan has taken significant steps to promote PPPs. Recognising the essential role of the private sector in executing PPP projects, the government approved a PPP policy during the 98th session of the Lhengye Zhungtshog in March 2016.
To operationalise this policy, Bhutan introduced the PPP Rules and Regulations in 2017, establishing a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework for all aspects of PPP implementation.
The country has also developed a robust policy and legal framework aimed at building capacity, encouraging private sector participation, and ensuring alignment with its national development goals.
The government has been encouraging private sector participation in key areas such as energy, transport, tourism, healthcare, and education. Experts have highlighted the importance of recognising the private sector’s vital role and promoting business integrity through mechanisms like integrity pacts, certification, education, and training.
Dan Wilcock, Manager at the Bribery Prevention Network in Australia, said that maintaining trust and credibility was essential for sustaining PPPs. He noted that regular meetings among relevant stakeholders are crucial for clarifying each party’s roles and responsibilities.
Michelle Hau’ofa, Treasurer and Board Member at Transparency International PNG, said that despite Papua New Guinea’s complexity, with over 800 languages and a rich cultural diversity, the country was making significant progress in advancing PPPs.
International PNG is gaining momentum through initiatives such as organising business integrity awards, promoting ethical leadership engagement, offering legal internship programmes, and monitoring institutions to ensure accountability.
Deki Pema, Chairperson of the Anti-Corruption Commission, said that ethical leadership assessments were also conducted in the country. She highlighted the National Integrity Assessment, which occurs every three years and evaluates the ethics of both service users and providers.
“We strive to expand the National Integrity Assessment to better align with the country’s needs. The Parliamentary Integrity Index has also been introduced,” she said.
Phrommet Bencharongkit, Vice President of the Thailand Collective Action against Corruption, underscored the significance of assisting companies in achieving good governance and promoting social responsibility.