German Public and Private Anti-Corruption Initiatives

The following section describes the key public and private business-relevant anti-corruption initiatives initiated by organisations in Germany.

Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development considers corruption to be a major handicap for economic development. To fight bribery within its programmes the following clauses are part of all its financial/technical cooperation agreements:

"The borrower, recipient, project executing agency (in financial cooperation) or recipient (in technical cooperation) will ensure that the persons they employ to prepare and implement projects, award contracts for the financed goods and services (only FC: and with drawing down loan amounts) do not demand, accept, make, guarantee, promise or have promised any illegal payments or other advantages in connection with these responsibilities. Based on this clause, direct sanctions are possible in the event of violations. In addition a declaration of personal commitment ensures that the partner to the agreement actively passes on the commitment to preventing corruption to its employees. As this declaration is an integral part of the agreement between the project executing agency and suppliers, a violation of this constitutes a violation of the supply or consulting agreement."

For further information please refer to the ministry's site on the topic, the position paper "Combating Corruption in German Development Cooperation" (English, German) which outlines the activities not only of the BMZ but also of other significant stakeholders within the German development cooperation, and the brochure "Preventing Corruption, Promoting Transparency" (in German).

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH

As an international cooperation enterprise for sustainable development with worldwide operations, the federally owned Deutsche Gesellschaft für Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH supports the German Government in achieving its development-policy objectives. It has got a set of integrity measures which prohibit all forms of corruption in its internal and external operations.

Internally GTZ's staff members are obliged to ethical and transparent conduct as well as the omission of all forms of corruption which are accurately defined in the organisation's Code of Conduct (German, English). Violations can be reported anonymously to the GTZ integrity advisor or an external ombudsman. In addition, several schemes to prevent corruption such as mandatory procedures and responsibilities in procurement, job rotation, the increased use of IT-systems as well as internal and external inspections have been implemented.

Furthermore GTZ's contracting parties are obligated to sign an Integrity Agreement (German, English) which binds them to implement the GTZ's integrity measures within their own organisational structures. In case of violation the GTZ integrity adviser and the external ombudsman can be contacted as well. Possible sanctions are the termination of contracts and contractual penalties e.g. in case of bribery.

In the context of Capacity Development GTZ supports partner countries in the prevention and fight against corruption and promotes the responsible use of funds. Special attention is thereby given to assisting partner countries in the implementation of the UN Convention against Corruption (UNCAC / German, English).

As part of the GTZ's work to engage private sector actors in corporate responsibility, its Center for the Cooperation with the Private Sector/PPP coordinates the German Global Compact Network. Financed by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development as well as business, this business-driven multi-stakeholder forum promotes exchange and lessons learned from good practice on human rights, labour standards, environment and corruption prevention (http://www.globalcompact.de/).

KfW

KfW Bankengruppe is an institution under public law giving impulses for the economy, society and ecology in Germany, Europe and the world. Part of the group is the KfW Entwicklungsbank which finances investments and accompanying consulting services in developing countries on behalf of the BMZ.

KfW Bankengruppe handles the topic of corruption prevention with special attention and diligence. Its business policy does not tolerate the use or acceptance of bribes or other forms of corruption, and this policy is binding for all of its employees. In 1998 a bank-wide working group "Corruption Prevention" was created.

On the website detailed information on the Fight against Corruption within the whole bank and especially within the financial development cooperation (German, English) can be accessed.

If you have any further questions about corruption prevention at KfW Bankengruppe, you are invited to contact the compliance officer.

Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology / Federal Ministry of Justice

The German government's commitment to the fight against corruption is not confined to the BMZ. The Federal Ministry of Justice in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology has published the brochure "Preventing Corruption - Information for German companies doing business abroad" (German, English) to give a comprehensive review on the issue.

Federal Export Credit Guarantees

Federal export credit guarantees support German enterprises in their efforts to open difficult markets and expand traditional ones in unfavourable times. By taking out Federal guarantees, German exporters and banks protect themselves from the country and buyer risks involved in export transactions. Guidelines ensure that a globally responsible approach is taken and the schemes contribute to the intention to support sustainable development. For this reason the applicants are required to make a "Declaration regarding Combating Bribery in Respect of Business Transactions covered by Federal Export Credit Guarantees" (in German) in the course of the application process.

The German National Committee of the ICC

The International Chamber of Commerce is a private international organisation promoting and supporting global trade and globalisation. With companies in over 130 countries being members, it works towards the liberalisation of trade and investment within the multilateral trading system. The German national committee voluntary rule-writing for business spreads best practice in areas as varied as banking, marketing, anti-corruption and environmental management. It has published the ICC-Code of Conduct for Combating Corruption in Business Connections (in German) as a catalogue of recommendations.

Chambers of industry and commerce

The Chambers of Industry and Commerce are autonomous organisations under public law which promote the interests of German businesses. There are regional chapters and a national one in Germany as well as chambers in a number of countries that are of special interest for German firms. On the matter of corruption the organisations provide the article "Bribery Results in Punishment" (in German) that deals with prevention, the legal situation and the IHK's position on the issue. For questions concerning a certain country, companies are invited to contact the offices abroad directly.

Federation of German industries (BDI)

The Federation of German Industries (BDI) is the umbrella organisation for industrial businesses and industry-related service-providers. As the representative of the interests of industry the BDI coordinates the views and recommendations of its members. It supplies support for businesses in the task of keeping pace with the intensive competition resulting from globalisation. On its site on corruption it provides the brochure "Preventing Corruption - BDI Recommendations" (German, English).