Korea’s corruption watchdog Monday started a two-week training program for Asian and African public officials to help emerging countries tackle graft and boost transparency.

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission said 13 officials from different countries including China, Singapore, Thailand and Zimbabwe were participating in the session.

In his welcoming address, chairperson Lee Sung-bo stressed the importance of international cooperation to combat corruption.

“Corruption is a transnational ill that cannot be cured by one country’s efforts. International cooperation and sharing of skills are the most powerful means to prevent corruption,” he said.

The agency has offered training and consulting to developing countries since 2007. The program is designed to share practical knowledge and skills for surveying, preventing and investigating corruption as well as protecting whistle-blowers.

“Requests for international anticorruption training have been increasing, reflecting the heightened expectation for Korea’s support in anticorruption skills,” the commission said in a statement.

By Lee Hyun-jeong  (rene@heraldcorp.com)