On 26 October, 2018, the 4th round of the Monitoring Report of Armenia on the Anti-Corruption Network for Eastern Europe and Central Asia (OECD) Anti-Corruption Network of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has been presented in Yerevan.

On 23 October, 2018 the working group of the Open Government Partnership (OGP) Initiative took place in the Government of Armenia, the agenda included the discussion of the OGP-Armenia Draft Action Plan. Susanne Soghomonyan, member of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association attended the meeting as well.

A new program is being implemented in Armenia for business representatives. An Anti-Corruption Program provides a number of opportunities for companies.

On October 16-20, the Eastern Partnership Civil Society Fellow Mariam Zadoyan has participated in a study tour in Chisinau, Moldova. 

It is important to know that prohibitions of bribery do not concern only monetary bribes. Instead, they involve anything of value or any benefit that can exert undue influence on a public official who has discretion over providing a business advantage.

It is really difficult to justify the economic arguments of fight against corruption in the countries where Bribery and other ways of manifesting corruption are widespread. However the companies with strategic thinking understand the need for honesty and adherence to ethical principles as the most important aspect of risk management and entrepreneurial practice. In emerging markets, the medium-sized businesses report that one of the benefits of introducing anti-corruption programs in addition to reducing risks that are directly associated with criminal prosecution but also gaining confidence.

Compliance is a great concept. In the context of business, it refers to many key areas, including anti-corruption, national and international laws, regulations, rules, and principles. 

On 1 October, the “Armenia: Promoting Anti-Corruption Conduct and Reform” project, which is implemented by the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), the Armenian Lawyers Association, the Corporate Governance Center and the Yerevan Chamber of Commerce and Industry was launched.

On 4 October, Ms Susanne Soghomonyan, Member of the ALA Board and Ms Mariam Zadoyan, Project Manager of the ALA Component of the “Armenia: Promoting Anti-Corruption Conduct and Reforms” Project met with the representative of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Lyudmila Tautiyeva.

The proposal of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association and the CSO Anti-Corruption Coalition of Armenia on the introduction of an on-line customs clearance calculator on the website of the State Revenue Committee (SRC) has been accepted. Today, Samvel Avetikyan, the First Deputy Chairman of the State Revenue Committee, said that in the nearest future, this information will be available to citizens.