KARACHI: Majyd Aziz President Global Compact Network Pakistan (GCNP) said that corruption in business is universal problem and that worldwide economic costs of corruption are in excess of $ 2 trillion. In Pakistan, corruption and bad practices are now institutionalised and hampering economic progress. Widespread corruption results in an inefficient economy. Moreover, moral cost of corruption is endemic too and those who have discretionary or decision making powers are either forced to commit corrupt practices or are deeply involved in taking advantage of their positions.

Majyd Aziz chairing Roundtable Meeting on Identification of Good Practices, Malpractices and Corrupt Practices and their Solutions in Maritime Industry of Pakistan, hosted by GCNP in association with Maritime Anti-Corruption Network based in Denmark advised all should agree in introducing transparency, having zero tolerance for corruption and working as united force. Influence peddling or giving expensive presents or payments given to receive undue advantage are normal.

Corruption is also when businesses make political donations with intent of influencing political decisions changing policies or amending laws. Favoritism, nepotism, cronyism, etc. are forms of corruption.

Mathias Bak of MACN Denmark participated virtually, advised that stakeholders must sit and develop standard operating procedures and have strong platform to become powerful deterrent against bad practices.

Participants complained that Customs and Port authorities unilaterally change rules and regulations and these changes result in corruption and bad practices.

Participants made numerous complaints against mushrooming of labour unions, use of by-road workers, entry of unauthorised persons in ports, mandatory employing workers of Karachi Dock Labour Board whose daily wages are very high and strong-arm attitude of officials of Department of Plant Protection. Tanvir Ahmad, Advisor on MACN for GCNP, informed that GCNP had meeting with FIA detailed letter was handed over to concerned Director. GCNP proposed that old SOPs have become outdated and are not relevant today.

National Conference would be held on September 22 where Bak of MACN Denmark would present latest positive initiatives and action taken in other countries.

Representatives and office bearers from PIFFA, QICT, Custom Agents, Shipping Lines, Stevedores, Cargo Handling, PRGMEA, PHMA, QFS Terminal, KCCI, ICCI, Paper Merchants attended meeting.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 06 2023

Like Business on Facebook, follow @DailyNCourier on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.