From Left: Information International’s Amal Sweidan, ALCC Chairman Fadi Saab and Pepsi Cola Chairman Walid Assaf

In association with the American-Lebanese Chamber of Commerce (ALCC), Information International conducted a methodological research study concerning ‘Transparency and Accountability in the Business Community’. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the objectives of this project included identifying non-transparent acts companies employ in business conduct, determining the extent and effects of the problem and finally, proposing practical recommendations concretized in a professional Code of Practice.

The findings and the Code were presented in a seminar at UN House on March 12, whose attendees included members of the ALCC, American Ambassador to Lebanon, Vincent Battle and Lebanese government officials.

In his speech, the American ambassador noted that one of the essentials for international investment is “a transparent climate that supports business and a stable legal framework. Without the essentials, international investment, trade and growth will be hindered and resources that could be harnessed will never be accessible.”

Representing Pepsi Cola Lebanon to share the example of a company that has defined a Code of Practice, was its Chairman, Walid Assaf. He strongly recommended that “companies define a code of conduct and communicate it clearly to all their employees.”

The study undertaken by Information International to build a workable code of practice included desk research, focus group discussions - 3 focus groups with 89 individuals contacted - and meetings with public & private sector officials (27 contacted).

The findings were divided into four categories: internal, intra-private sector, public sector and national issues. The main effects identified in the findings were that corruption fosters a highly negative image of Lebanon for commerce and trade, it discourages foreign direct investment and is a hindrance to the expansion of business in the country.

Regarding the private sector, the establishment of a neutral body to perform tasks similar to that of the Better Business Bureau was recommended. On the public sector level, lobbying for structural political reform was advocated as well as educating the general public about the high cost of corruption on the economy, at the national level.