MAPUTO, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- Mozambican Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario said Monday that corruption is holding back investment and reduces the possibility of forming a cohesive and robust business class that can create jobs and promote socio-economic development.
He made the remarks during a celebration of the International Anti-Corruption Day in the central province of Zambezia, where he revealed that some 2,000 disciplinary proceedings have been brought against state officials and agents in the past two years.
"The government considers that the situation is worse than expected, as cases of corruption continue to be reported and with severe impacts on the national economy," said Rosario.
He added that corruption "destroys incentives for investment," which "leads to increased poverty, creates asymmetries and gnaws the image and prestige of the state, causing the loss of ethical standards of governance."
According to the prime minister, an effective fight against corruption is only possible with the involvement of the whole society practicing the values of honesty and probity, respecting the law, and acting impartial in daily activities.
He said the government is also looking to the use of technology, including the digitization of utilities that can facilitate monitoring and enforcement, to reduce corruption.
