EITI: Contract Transparency Will Help Resource Rich Countries Mitigate Covid-19 Effects
The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) has proffered strategies that resource rich countries can adopt to cushion the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on their economies.
One of the strategies proposed is for these countries to increase their level of transparency in the management of government finances.
Executive Director of the EITI, Mark Robinson, advised resource rich countries to embrace contract transparency, which is an emerging trend in the EITI, to protect citizen’s interests and create a level playing field that benefits countries over the long term.
According to Mr. Robinson, the advice has become crucial given the economic challenges resource rich governments are facing over the fallen crude oil prices. He emphasised that the pressure created by volatile commodity prices, deals between traders and state-owned enterprises may create avenues for corruption.
He advised that commodity trading transparency should not be ignored at any given time as the practice will enable citizens understand how much revenue is collected from the sales of their natural resources.
“In as much as project postponements and revocations could shorten these revenues, leaving some communities vulnerable or impoverished, transparency can help keep these communities informed about discrepancies and the funds due to them”, Robinson stated.
Subscribe To Newsletter
Recommended for you
