22 representatives take part in BRI integrity conference

A conference focusing on integrity in economic recovery following the COVID-19 outbreak was attended by Belt and Road cooperation partners in Beijing on Tuesday night.

Representatives from 22 countries and international organizations participated via video link in the Conference on Integrity in COVID Response and Economic Recovery by the Belt and Road Cooperation Partners, hosted by the National Commission of Supervision.

The conference discussed BRI partners' experiences in the prevention and control of COVID-19, as well as ways to improve integrity following the resumption of work and projects. It aimed to build consensus among all parties, promote international cooperation on anti-corruption measures, build a clean Silk Road and jointly promote COVID-19 response and economic recovery.

Yang Xiaodu, chairman of the Commission, said in his keynote speech that global anti-corruption governance faces new challenges at a time it is being battered by both the COVID-19 and global changes.

At this critical time, China must adhere to concepts that will ensure officials "dare not, cannot and will not commit corruption" and make sure that all anti-epidemic funds and materials are used for controlling the disease, treating patients and saving lives, he said.

China will also stick to the principles of consultation and joint construction with other countries, while combating transnational business bribery, in a bid to create a regulated business environment under the rule of law.

China will also uphold multilateralism, support the authority of the United Nations in global anti-corruption governance and contribute to practical action against graft, he added.

All conference participants agreed that the theft of money intended for anti- COVID supplies had hampered the fight against COVID-19.

They also agreed that countries should strengthen cooperation and exchanges on anti-corruption measures and intensify efforts to prevent and combat graft in order to create a stable development environment, promote high-quality BRI construction and provide strong safeguards for COVID-19 response and economic recovery.