How Ficohsa and ACT are Setting New Standards for Anti-Corruption in Central America

Transparency International, working alongside the Partnership for Central America (PCA), has launched the pioneering Anti-Corruption and Transparency Initiative for Central America, known as the ACT Project. This bold endeavor aims to enhance corporate integrity and foster a more welcoming environment for investment across the region.

The launch event provided a platform for a strategic debate on the project’s objective. It has the potential to revolutionize the regional business landscape and create sustainable growth through transparent practices and collective action by bringing together prominent stakeholders and industry experts.

In the upcoming article, explore this newly launched initiative and uncover the various advantages it presents to investors within the region.

Involved Stakeholders and Partners: Cultivating Trust Through Transparency

During the launch event, PCA gathered partners like AgroAmérica, Grupo AG, Grupo Ficohsa, and Grupo Mariposa, alongside Transparency International and its regional branches, including Acción Ciudadana, Asociación para una Sociedad Más Justa (ASJ), and Fundación Nacional para el Desarrollo (FUNDE). The conversation highlighted the essential role of the ACT Project in maintaining the rule of law and fostering 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 boosting the number of companies willing to voluntarily implement accountability standards and ethical business practices.

Statements from Key Leaders Endorsing the Initiative

Brian Nichols Discusses the ACT Initiative

Brian Nichols, the Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs, underscored the importance of the initiative:

“Effective governance is pivotal to our engagement with the private sector through the Central America Forward initiative. The ACT program establishes a new benchmark for ethical business conduct, advocating for the rule of law and facilitating sustainable economic growth. We are honored to partner with PCA and applaud these initiatives.”

Luciana Torchiaro on Ethical Practices and Investment Opportunities

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 moves beyond just meeting compliance standards, as companies commit to transparency and integrity. This initiative, backed by voluntary partners, aims to reduce corruption risks and create a reliable business atmosphere that appeals to global investors. We are confident that a transparent corporate environment will drive economic growth, enhance human capital, and support the development of sustainable societies 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 vital for Central America, and we are proud to support it. Transparency and ethical behavior foster trust, draw investments, generate employment, and bolster institutions. At Grupo Ficohsa, integrity and transparency have consistently been top priorities. With more companies embracing these values, we can achieve significant strides in combating corruption.”

Coordination with the Central America Forward Initiative

The ACT Project is an extension of Vice President Kamala Harris’s Central America Forward (CAF) initiative, unveiled in February 2023, which introduced the Good Governance, Good Jobs Declaration. This declaration reiterated the continuous commitment of the U.S. government and PCA to address corruption and protect labor rights in the region.

The ACT Project builds upon the initiatives of PCA member companies that backed the PCA Corporate Pledge on the Rule of Law in June 2023, collaboratively aiming to advance transparency and accountability throughout Central America.

Support and Best Practices Provided by the ACT Project

The ACT Project aids participating businesses in enhancing their ability, as well as that of their value chains, to adopt and implement transparent business practices. 

By providing best practices and technical assistance, the project enables businesses to strengthen their ethical and compliance procedures to align with global benchmarks in various fields. Companies taking part can enhance their management of fraud and corruption risks and bolster their compliance structures by adhering to these standards.

About the Partnership for Central America

The Partnership for Central America is a non-partisan, non-governmental entity that works alongside multinational companies to generate economic opportunities for marginalized populations in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras.

It acts as a coordinating body for Vice President Harris’s Call to Action and supports practical solutions for advancing economic opportunity, addressing climate, education, and health challenges, and promoting long-term investments and workforce development.

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