Increased Co-Operation with Mainland Authorities
While the ICAC continues to fight corruption within Hong Kong, we see the need
to enhance co-operation with the Chinese law enforcement agencies
in combating
cross-border corruption. To this end, the ICAC has developed a close working
relationship with the Guangdong Provincial People’s Procuratorate and set up of a
Mutual Case Assistance Scheme. ICAC’s investigators made trips to the mainland
of China to interview witnesses and this arrangement is reciprocal. We also
advance co-operation on other fronts
including education, training and prevention.
ICAC’s senior officers have been invited to brief Guangdong’s procurators on the
work of corruption prevention. Jointly with the Guangdong People’s
Procuratorate, the ICAC has published “A Guide for Investors in Guangdong and
Hong Kong”. Although the systems in Hong Kong
and the mainland are very
different, both sides have adopted a pragmatic approach and managed to find
common ground and objectives and to build on these with success.
International Co-Operation
As
corruption knows no boundaries, the ICAC will continue to develop and
maintain strong working relationships with overseas law enforcement agencies in
pursuing corruption-related crime. Following the enactment
of the Mutual Legal
Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance in Hong Kong and increased liaison
with overseas agencies, a dedicated section was established
to co-ordinate requests
for assistance between the ICAC and overseas law enforcement agencies. With
this effort and the mutual co-operation of our counterparts, we are certain that the
ICAC has the ability to fight corruption vigorously.
11
Conclusion
The future of the ICAC has been guaranteed by the Basic Law
of the Hong Kong Special
Administrative Region. We will continue to be independent and accountable direct to the
Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Special Administration Region. The task ahead will
not be easy. With the commitment of the Government to maintain
a level playing field for
all and to keep Hong Kong a clean society free from corruption, a powerful legislative
framework, a team of dedicated and professional staff and with the full support of the
community behind us, and co-operation from the mainland authorities and our
counterparts overseas, the ICAC is in full gear to meet
the challenges in the new
millennium.