With the implementation of the Mainland and Hong Kong Closer Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and the Framework Agreement on Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation in full gear, coupled with the Nation's 12th Five-Year Plan which supports further development of Hong Kong and Macao, economic integration in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region will continue to accelerate. In this rapidly changing business environment, cross-boundary SMEs striving to seize the booming business opportunities in the region need to strengthen their internal governance for enhancing competitiveness.           The Central Government has in recent years stepped up efforts to combat bribery activities. Furthermore, the Macao SAR also introduced a new legislation in 2010 to govern private sector corruption. To help cross-boundary SMEs understand the business environment in the region as well as the latest development of the anti-corruption policies in the three places, the Independent Commission Against Corruption of Hong Kong, the Guangdong Provincial People's Procuratorate and the Commission Against Corruption of Macao jointly organised the "Integrity and Professionalism – Key to Business Success" Conference for SMEs in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in September 2011.           The objectives of the conference were to assist SMEs to practise integrity management by understanding and abiding by the laws of the three places, encourage SME operators to seek timely professional advice or services to resolve disputes, and to enhance corporate governance and uphold goodwill. With ethical governance in place, companies will not only benefit from the business opportunities brought by their positive brand images and good reputation, but will also contribute to the development of a corruption-free business environment in the PRD region. This will attract foreign investment to the region and bring prosperity to the new economic zone.               Conference Highlights >