Peru calls on APEC members to be tougher on corruption, illegal trading

Peruvian Attorney General Pablo Sanchez Velarde said Monday the 21 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) should step up efforts to crack down on corruption and illegal trading.

Speaking during an APEC policy meeting in Lima, Velarde noted that corruption affects many industries and spurs illegal mining, animal smuggling and human trafficking.

The chief prosecutor, who also chairs APEC's working group on anti-corruption and transparency, said that acts of corruption are not uncommon within the APEC members.

Velarde added that industries such as mining are particularly susceptible to corruption, due to the lack of up-to-date information concerning mining operations.

"Illegal mining is on the rise, which is a serious concern. The complex, cross-border dynamics and consequences of natural resource exploitation are prompting greater cooperation in APEC to stem corruption that underpins it," he added.

He also noted that the human trafficking is a very serious matter. "The victims have become commercial objects, lose their physical freedom and their free will."

The policy meeting was held to discuss corruption, illegal trading and their consequences on the environment.

Peru is to host this year's APEC summit, which is slated for Nov. 19-20. It previously hosted the APEC summit in 2008. Endi