SINGAPORE- Media OutReach - 28September 2020 - By launching localised websites acrossASEAN countries like Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong and Malaysia, Maritime Fairtrade aims at reducing corrupt practices in theshipping industry. With a lack of transparency and anti-corruption complianceculture, the shipping industry is perceived to sully ethical lapses withillicit activities.

A collaborative hub advocating for ethicalshipping practices - Maritime Fairtrade works to positively influence businessesthrough education. As part of the wider goal to combat corruption in the asianmaritime industry, setting up localised websites in the ASEAN region providesan avenue for resource sharing, effectively increasing awareness aroundunethical practices.

With over 90% of trade carried out oversea, it is especially crucial that businesses involved take stock of lossesincurred from unethical lapses. Corrupt practices include one-time andlong-term bribery, extortionate demands, and under-the-table payments tooverlook procedural errors. A climate of malfeasance not only drives up tradecosts, but also impedes economic efficiency by reducing future corporateprofits and competitiveness.

The expansion of illicit trafficking andcorrupt behaviours are only growing, especially so in a Covid-era where there is an increase in shippingactivities and consequently, fraud. At the same time, the pandemic is directingconsumers towards sustainable buying patterns, which makes it a prime time forshipping companies and partners to relook into ethical policies.

Accessibility to the right sources ofinformation where you can reliably understand the challenges and opportunitiesfor a corruption-free industry is decisive in turning the tide. MaritimeFairtrade's strategy of pushing localised websites chips away at this goal, byreaching a wider audience and influence. By optimising websites in the locallanguages used in ASEAN countries, anti-corruption messages can be betterdelivered and understood by site visitors. Tailored language localisationcounts for more than simple translation, it considers the social, political andhistorical aspects of foreign markets - tuning these nuances into how thewebsite looks and reads.

Effecting purposeful change in themaritime industry will positively influencethe financial valuation of shipping companies, eliminating regulation andmicromanagement that can bog down an otherwise flourishing trade integral tothe global economy. And, Maritime Fairtrade is doing just that through credibleinformation sharing that is effectively communicated through localised websitecontent in the ASEAN countries.

Media Contact: 

Eunice Gilbert, Marketing Manager

eunice@maritimefairtrade.org

About Maritime Fairtrade

With a focus on the Maritime Industrythroughout Asia and Middle East, our non-profit organisation believes in thepower of education in inculcating awareness and change in individuals andcompanies. We believe that Maritime Fairtrade is a concept that can makebusinesses more successful, employees more productive and industries moreethical and transparent. We stand united against corruption.

We author editorials, and also select andpublish partner content, to bring awareness to key issues and to empower ourreaders to make educated decisions.

For more information, visit our website here.