The U.S. has an unprecedented opportunity to raise good governance standards across the Asia-Pacific through TPP. If we do not take the lead, we risk ceding leadership to other countries that do not share our commitment to these values. Better governance translates into stronger economies, sustainable growth, and a more conducive environment for U.S. investment and trade. In TPP, we have set a new high standard for action against corruption through a trade agreement, including commitments to adopt, maintain, and enforce criminal laws to deter corruption by public officials, to maintain codes of conduct to promote integrity among public officials, to adopt laws criminalizing corruption in accounting practice, and to effectively enforce anti-corruption laws.

HOW TPP STRENGTHENS GOOD GOVERNANCE

TPP helps strengthen good governance in TPP countries by requiring them to:

• Join the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC).
• Criminalize bribery of public officials – and soliciting or receiving such bribes.
• Have in place a code of conduct for public officials and take measures to decrease conflicts of interest.
• Take steps to discourage illegitimate gifts, including by training public officials, to facilitate reporting of corruption, and to provide for discipline of public officials engaging in acts of corruption.
• Effectively enforce anti-corruption laws and regulations.
• Involve private organizations in the fight against corruption.