On 11 March, the Armenian Lawyers’ Association organized a workshop on “Ant-Corruption Compliance” in Vanadzor which was dedicated to the internal capacity-building of the participants. The workshop was held in the scope of the EU-funded “Commitment to Constructive Dialogue” project which was co-funded by Center of International Private Enterprises.
The workshop started with the welcoming speech by Ms Zarine Hovhannisyan, Lawyer, Head of Vanadzor branch of the Armenian Lawyers’ Association, who raised the importance of anti-corruption compliance in the light of creation of a more favourable business environment in Lori region.
According to the expert Lusine Nalbandyan, participants initially expressed the opinion that changes should be made at the legislative level. According to them, today there is a need for a number of tax and legal regulations in the business environment, so the state should focus first on these sectoral issues, and then contribute to the deepening of anti-corruption education. “In the beginning the participants addressed the anti-corruption compliance program with reservation, and wondered whether it is necessary in practice. However, when we presented that the program was aimed at improving the business environment, establishing long-term partnerships, raising the reputation of the organization and gaining international partners, their interest increased,” Lusine Nalbandyan added.
Trainers presented what corruption is, its manifestations, explained what the anti-corruption compliance is, and the impact it may have on the company’s activities. It is worth mentioning that before the workshop participants completed tests, which included a number of questions about corruption schemes, anti-corruption compliance program, information on which is provided during the whole course. At the end of the workshop , the participants completed the same test for the second time to compare what knowledge they gained from the course. Participants also had group works on raising corruption risks in their organizations and developing risk prevention plans.
It should be noted that similar workshops will be held in Vanadzor, Yerevan, Gyumri and Kapan as well.
