Hong Kong has endorsed the ADB-OECD Anti-Corruption Action Plan for Asia Pacific, marking its participation in a regional anti-corruption programme for the first time, ICAC Commissioner Ambrose Lee said today.

The Action Plan is a joint programme launched by the Asian Development Bank and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development to support countries in the region in formulating and implementing anti-corruption strategies.

Before leaving for two international anti-corruption conferences in Seoul, Mr Lee said that under the Action Plan, Hong Kong must ensure that actions are in place to develop effective and transparent systems for public service, strengthen anti-bribery actions, promote integrity in business operations and support active public involvement.

Hong Kong will be required to report on the progress on implementation at the Action Plan Steering Group��s annual meetings.

��While longstanding policies and legislation are already in place to combat corruption in both the public and private sectors in Hong Kong, the endorsement of the Action Plan represents the government��s long-term commitment to the anti-corruption cause,�� Mr Lee stressed.

��Through participation in the Action Plan, we also look forward to enhanced co-operation and experience sharing with the international community.��

Leading a delegation to take part in the 11th International Anti- Corruption Conference and the Global Forum III, Mr Lee said Hong Kong��s holistic approach in combating graft effectively on three fronts �V investigation, prevention and education - has become a model of reference for many other jurisdictions.

��The ICAC will share its unique graft-fighting experience with government ministers, public officials, law enforcers and anti-corruption experts from various jurisdictions at these two major forums.��

Members of the ICAC��s delegation include Director of Investigation Gilbert Chan, Assistant Director of Operations Kenny Tso, Assistant Director of Corruption Prevention Jean Au Yeung Lui, and Assistant Director of Community Relations Julie Mu.

At the IACC to be held May 25-28, Mr Lee will address a plenary session on ��Relation of State and Civil Society�� and chair a workshop on how to clean up police corruption. Ms Mu will participate on its panel.

Mr Chan will speak at a workshop on ��Mutual Legal Assistance�� while Mr Tso will speak at another workshop on ��Countering corruption to combat trafficking in human beings��.

During the Global Forum III on Fighting Corruption & Safeguarding Integrity to be held May 29-31, the ICAC Commissioner will speak at one of the Ministerial roundtables on ��Law Enforcement: International Co-operation��.