We Won't Pay Bribes To Clear Goods - Danish Agency

Accra, (Greater Accra) 31 Oct., Mr. Sven Erik Nordberg, Head of Department of Private Business Sector in the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has suggested that business in developing countries must be carried out with the same ethics as in developed countries. Mr. Nordberg said DANIDA, the Danish Development Agency, is considering abolishing tipping officials before clearing its equipment earmarked for projects. He said the days when DANIDA was made to refund bribes paid at the ports for clearing goods is gone and it would not encourage such payments any more. Mr. Nordberg who is on a one-week working visit was addressing Ghana-Denmark Businessmen club at a meeting in Accra. He said business in developing countries must be carried out in the same standards as in developed countries to make sure there are valid papers covering consignments. Mr. Nordberg said the DANIDA Private Sector Development Programme will formulate efficient conditions for businessmen in Denmark and their counterparts in the developing countries to transact business. It is also to create job avenues, improve export trade and forum for the businessmen to meet and discuss business opportunities in their various countries. Mr. Nordberg said the programme also takes interest in protecting the environment by providing equipment for recycling of waste products. DANIDA, he said, has established Trust Funds with the UNDP, African Development Bank and the World Bank to promote consultancy services and preparatory studies into private business sector in developing countries. Mr. Nordberg will fly back to Denmark tomorrow November one.