Transparency International, alongside the Partnership for Central America (PCA), has introduced the pioneering Anti-Corruption and Transparency Initiative for Central America, known as the ACT Project. This forward-thinking endeavor aims to enhance business ethics and cultivate a better environment for investments across the region.
The unveiling event served as a venue for an in-depth discussion on the project’s goals. By uniting influential stakeholders and industry specialists, it holds the promise of transforming the regional business environment and fostering enduring growth through transparent operations and collaborative efforts.
In the upcoming article, explore this newly launched initiative and uncover the various advantages it presents to investors within the region.
Stakeholders and partners involved: building trust through transparency
At the launch event, PCA convened partners such as AgroAmérica, Grupo AG, Grupo Ficohsa, and Grupo Mariposa, along with Transparency International and its regional chapters, including Acción Ciudadana, Asociación para una Sociedad Más Justa (ASJ), and Fundación Nacional para el Desarrollo (FUNDE). The discussion centered on the critical role of the ACT Project in upholding the rule of law and promoting transparent business practices.
The partners reiterated their commitment to fostering transparency, combating corruption, safeguarding workers’ rights, and creating an investment-friendly environment. The conversation also highlighted the initiative’s goals and the importance of expanding the number of companies willing to voluntarily embrace accountability standards and responsible business practices.
Statements from Prominent Leaders Endorsing the Initiative
Brian Nichols Discusses the ACT Initiative
Brian Nichols, the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“Good governance is at the heart of our engagement with the private sector under the Central America Forward initiative. The ACT program establishes a new benchmark for business ethics, promoting legal integrity and facilitating sustainable economic development. We are honored to partner with PCA and applaud these initiatives.”
Luciana Torchiaro’s Take on Ethical Practices and Investment
Luciana Torchiaro, the Regional Advisor for Latin America and the Caribbean at Transparency International, underscored the project’s dedication to ethical practices:
“The ACT Project transcends basic compliance, as companies commit to transparency and integrity. Supported by voluntary partners, this initiative aims to reduce corruption risks and create a reliable business environment that draws global investments. We are confident that a transparent business setting will drive economic growth, enhance human capital development, and foster sustainable communities in Central America.”
Mario Bustillo Expresses Grupo Ficohsa’s Support
Mario Bustillo, Vice President of Institutional Relations at Grupo Ficohsa, expressed his support:
“This initiative is crucial for Central America, and we are honored to support it. Transparency and ethical behavior foster trust, draw investments, generate employment, and fortify institutions. At Grupo Ficohsa, integrity and transparency have consistently been paramount. If more companies embrace these principles, we can achieve significant advancements in combating corruption.”
Supporting the Central America Forward Initiative
The ACT Project expands on Vice President Kamala Harris’s Central America Forward (CAF) initiative, initiated in February 2023, which unveiled the Good Governance, Good Jobs Declaration. This declaration reinforced the continuous commitment of the U.S. government and PCA in addressing corruption and protecting labor rights in the region.
The ACT Project builds upon the efforts of PCA member companies that supported the PCA Corporate Pledge on the Rule of Law in June 2023, aiming for a common objective of enhancing transparency and accountability throughout Central America.
Support and best practices offered by the act project
The ACT Project supports participating companies by enhancing their own ability and that of their value chains to adopt and implement transparent business practices.
By providing best practices and technical support, the project assists businesses in upgrading their ethical and compliance processes to align with international standards across various domains. Participating companies can enhance their ability to manage fraud and corruption risks and strengthen their compliance structures by aligning their operations with these benchmarks.
About the Partnership for Central America
The Partnership for Central America is a non-partisan, non-governmental organization that works alongside multinational corporations to generate economic opportunities for underrepresented communities in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.
It serves as a coordinating entity for Vice President Harris’s Call to Action, backing practical solutions to enhance economic opportunities, tackle climate, education, and health challenges, and encourage long-term investments and workforce development.
