Taiwan retained its 28th ranking among the 180 countries and territories surveyed in the latest Corruption Perceptions Index released Jan. 28 by the Berlin-based Transparency International.

With a score of 100 signifying the lowest level of perceived corruption, Taiwan maintained its score of 65, spotlighting the effectiveness of sustained government efforts to tackle corruption and build national integrity over the past year.

Among the countries and territories in the Asia Pacific region, Taiwan ranked ahead of South Korea, 33rd; and China, 78th; and behind Hong Kong, 11th; and Japan, 19th. New Zealand tied with Denmark in first place, followed by Finland, Singapore, Sweden and Switzerland all tied in third.

According to the Agency Against Corruption under the Ministry of Justice, Taiwan’s score reflects the government’s commitment to promoting clean governance and judicial reform.

Efforts to date include the drafting of the Whistleblower Protection Bill, strengthening of a mechanism aimed at eliminating conflicts of interest and establishment of a transparent platform for selecting private contractors to conduct major national construction projects, the AAC said.

The government will continue to enhance public administration transparency in line with the spirit of the U.N. Convention against Corruption through such measures as promoting public-private collaboration efforts and corporate integrity, the AAC said. Taiwan is also working to foster international cooperation and exchange in tackling corruption by deepening participation in various international activities and conferences, the agency added.

Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index has been published annually since 1995. This year’s edition aggregated 13 different data sources released over the past two years by 12 international institutions. (DL-E)