Swedish firms reaffirm fight against corruption in Peru

The signing ceremony took place within the framework of the "Year of the Fight against Corruption and Impunity." 

Sweden has the third-lowest perceived levels of corruption in the world, while Peru is among the most corrupt countries in Latin America, according to the 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) released by Transparency International.

Corruption costs 2% of GDP and 10% of the country's annual public budget, according to the World Bank and the Ombudsman Office, respectively.

"Sweden firms are aware of the need to integrate people-friendly production and services into their business model," Swedish Ambassador to Peru Anna Ferry affirmed.

Likewise, she noted that one of the agreements contained in the Pact is that "Swedish companies will share their experience with the Peruvian Government and firms."

She highlighted the implementation of zero-tolerance practices towards corruption within the companies, zero discrimination policies in employment and occupation —even between women and men—, the application of international guidelines such as those of the OECD, as well as ways to maintain a preventive approach in favor of the environment and ensure human rights.

For her part, the ABB Legal Area Manager Yesenia Quiroz indicated that, with the support of the Embassy of Sweden, Swedish companies seek to make a difference in the market, working —in a preventive manner— in ethics and compliance.

The pact also covers the implementation of internal programs against corruption in all its forms, such as bribery, extortion, embezzlement, collusion, fraud, and influence peddling.

The signatory enterprises were ABB, Alfa Laval, Astra Zeneca, Atlas Copco, EducationFirst, Electrolux, Epiroc, KREAB, Oriflame, SAAB, Sandvik, Scania, Securitas, SKF, Systemair, and Volvo Peru.

(END) MDV/RMB/MVB