<B>The Corruption Perceptions Index 2004 of Transparency International reveals that Mauritius is at the 54th place. What does it mean? What is the index exactly?</B>

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) of Transparency International (TI) has existed since 1995. It ranks countries in terms of the degree of perception that corruption exists among public officials and politicians. The CPI is a composite index, a sort of poll of polls, reflecting the perceptions of business people and country analysts, both resident and non-resident. The CPI 2004 draws on 18 surveys provided to TI between 2002 and 2004 and conducted by 12 independent institutions. TI requires at least three sources to rank a country in the CPI. The countries are ranked on a scale from 10 (absence of corruption) to 0 (very corrupted). In 2004, Mauritius was ranked 54th with a score of 4.1 out of 146 countries. In 2003, Mauritius was ranked 48th with a score of 4.4 out of 133 countries. The following sources were used for Mauritius for the CPI 2004: the World Economic Forum (WEF) – Global Competitiveness Reports (GCR) 2002, 2003 and 2004, the Economic Intelligence Unit (EIU) – Country Risk Service and Country Forecast 2004 and the World Markets Research Centre – Risk Ratings 2004.

<B>How do you explain that the perception of a “corrupt Mauritius” prevails and even increases?</B>

We cannot say that Mauritius is a corrupt country. The CPI defines corruption as the abuse of public office for private gain. The CPI 2004 ranks 146 countries. A total of 106 out of the 146 countries score less than 5 against a clean score of 10. 60 countries score less than 3 out of 10, indicating rampant corruption. Mauritius was first ranked on the CPI in 1998. It was ranked 33rd out of 85 countries with a score of 5. Since fundamental changes in corruption levels in a country evolve slowly, TI has opted to base the CPI on a three-year rolling average. The CPI 2004 is thus based on surveys between 2002 and 2004.

<B> What could Mauritius do to change this perception?</B>

In the context of market globalisation, internationalisation of services and increased pressure on good corporate governance worldwide, several initiatives have been undertaken in Mauritius by both the public and private sectors on corporate governance and ethics management with the introduction of new legislations, the setting up of an Independent Commission against Corruption (ICAC), the signature of the UN Anti-Corruption Convention, the launch of a Code of corporate governance and a Model code of conduct, among others. The numerous on-going investigations are certainly going in the right direction.

However, quick and transparent outcomes to the investigations are necessary. Greater accountability and probity are expected from the public and private sectors. The fight against corruption is an ongoing one. It takes at least two for corruption. TI believes in the building of a coalition against corruption that embraces government, private sector, civil society and the media. The fight against corruption concerns every responsible citizen of the Republic of Mauritius. There is a change of mind set, which is crucial. This is where we can make a difference.

<B>Do you think such a report could act as a brake to investors wishing to come to Mauritius?</B>

The CPI is a solid measurement tool in terms of perceptions of corruption. As mentioned above, the CPI 2004 draws on 18 different polls and surveys from 12 independent institutions. In this context, the CPI of Transparency International is consulted by investors worldwide. In a global economic climate, which is becoming more and more difficult for small economies such as Mauritius, the key institutions and organisations of this country have to project a strong image of transparency, integrity and accountability. All the studies on the subject, have shown, that investors move primarily to countries that show clear signs of integrity and honesty. It is in this spirit that Transparency Mauritius makes an appeal to the authorities and governmental institutions, the private sector, the media and the civil society as a whole, to combine all their efforts to fight corruption within the Republic of Mauritius.