Corruption has been a focus of public attention in Asian and Pacific societies since the Asian financial crisis in the late 1990s. It hampers economic growth and diminishes the region's attractiveness to investment, undermines social stability and public trust in government, and harms efforts to alleviate poverty.

Under the ADB/OECD Anti-Corruption Initiative for Asia and the Pacific, 23 governments in the region have joined forces to fight corruption by endorsing an Anti-Corruption Action Plan. The Action Plan comprehensively promotes the region's objectives and priorities for reform, to develop effective and transparent systems for public service, strengthen anti-bribery initiatives, promote integrity in business operations and support citizens' involvement.

The report covers Australia; Bangladesh; Cambodia; Cook Islands; Fiji Islands; Hong Kong, China; India; Indonesia; Japan; Republic of Kazakhstan; Republic of Korea, Kyrgyz Republic; Malaysia; Mongolia; Nepal; Pakistan; Papua New Guinea; Philippines; Samoa; Singapore; and Vanuatu.

Asian Development Bank is a multilateral development finance institution dedicated to reducing poverty in Asia and the Pacific.

The OECD groups 30 member countries sharing a commitment to democratic government and the market economy. The OECD plays a prominent role in fostering good governance in the public service and in corporate activity.