Corruption hinders economic development, weakens the foundation of a democratic society, and negatively impacts the advancement of democracy. Moreover, corruption fosters the violation of citizens’ constitutional rights and strikes at the moral foundations of society.
Founder of Peace and National Unity, Leader of the Nation, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, His Excellency Emomali Rahmon.
In modern times, corruption is recognized as one of the most serious global challenges affecting all nations. It destabilizes national economies, violates human rights, undermines principles of justice, and generates social tension within society.
Corruption remains one of the pressing issues of contemporary society, which, despite numerous preventive measures, is still widespread in many countries, particularly in developing nations. This negative phenomenon manifests in various forms — bribery, abuse of official powers, offering bribes, nepotism in employment, and injustices — all of which severely hinder the state’s development and the investment environment.
Corruption refers to the illegal use of an official position or authority for personal gain. It can take the following forms:
-
Bribery — receiving money or benefits for performing an official duty that falls within a public official’s responsibilities;
-
Abuse of Power — using one’s official position to obtain personal benefits for oneself or others;
-
Nepotism — employing individuals based solely on personal relationships and affiliations.
These actions are not only violations of the law but also erode public trust and investor confidence in fairness and justice.
Corruption affects various sectors, but in the fields of economy and investment, it has the following consequences:
-
Reduced Investor Confidence — every domestic or foreign investor evaluates the legal environment and level of transparency before entering a market. If it becomes evident that corruption is present in permitting processes, registrations, or customs operations, investors avoid such environments.
-
Negative Budgetary Impact — corruption leads to the loss of public funds and misappropriation of resources that should be allocated for the public good.
-
Decline in Infrastructure and Service Quality — when contracts are awarded to close associates or through bribery, quality is compromised. As a result, roads, water supply systems, buildings, and other projects are completed with defects.
In this regard, the Administration of the Sughd Free Economic Zone consistently implements the following measures:
-
Promoting anti-corruption culture among staff and residents;
-
Strict control over the processes of providing public services;
-
Cooperation with the State Financial Control and Anti-Corruption Agency;
-
Regular training of employees on anti-corruption legislation;
-
Transparent and prompt consideration of appeals from residents and investors.
Additionally, to prevent corruption-related crimes, the leadership and legal advisor Mr. Nosirov M. regularly conduct awareness activities, including training and analysis of the Law of the Republic of Tajikistan “On Counteracting Corruption” and relevant articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Tajikistan, which provide for criminal liability for corruption offenses (Article 314 — abuse of office, Article 319 — receiving a bribe, Article 320 — giving a bribe, Article 321 — incitement to bribery, etc.).
Combating corruption is not only the responsibility of state bodies but also a civic duty of every conscientious individual. Legal entities and individuals must refrain from giving bribes and, in case of encountering such situations, report them to the relevant authorities.
Corruption can only be eradicated if all segments of society — the state, private sector, civil society, and mass media — act together.
