The presence here today of the highest level representatives of the Government of South Africa, civil society and the business community, as well as of the diplomatic and international communities, exemplifies not only concern about corruption and bribery, but also strong support and political commitment to join forces to fight them. The interest of the mass media in this event is of special importance because of its paramount role in raising public awareness and in reporting trends and corrupt practices in an objective, yet critical manner. I salute and thank you all for being here today with us. Corruption is not only a domestic concern.
Corruption has no borders.
Corruption does not discriminate against country size or wealth. Today, corruption is truly international. Transnational corruption is associated with organized crime, including the smuggling of weapons, precious materials and migrants, trafficking in human beings and especially with drug trafficking. Corruption is as much an ethical and political problem as it is a market problem. Unfortunately, there is also evidence that some businesses bribe customs, tax and procurement officials in order to smuggle goods, avoid tax payments and secure lucrative public sector projects.