To counter these problems the Fourth Regional Anti-Corruption Conference for Asia-Pacific, organised by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), called for stronger regional cooperation.

The meeting reviewed progress made by 21 countries which have endorsed the ADB-OECD "Anti-Corruption Action Plan" launched in Manila in 1999, under which they are committed to combating bribery and money laundering and promoting public sector integrity.

A statement issued at the end of the three-day conference, which saw Australia sign up as the 21st endorsing country, said the initiative "is already bearing fruit".

The adherence of a growing number of countries testified to the attractiveness of the plan's core principles, which include a focus on prevention and punishment and put a priority on feasibility and effectiveness, the statement said.

Among recommendations made by the conference were protection of "whistleblowers" to increase the corruption detection rate, reviewing public procurement systems and the swift provision of mutual legal assistance "in light of the growing transnational nature of corruption".

It also called for countries to explore the possibilities of establishing internationally agreed criteria for the repatriation of the proceeds of corruption.

The conference heard that one-third of public investment in many Asia-Pacific countries is squandered on corruption, with governments paying between 20 to 100 percent over the top for goods and services due to corrupt procurement practices.

ADB vice-president Geert van der Linden said studies had shown that corruption can cost up to 17 percent of a country's gross domestic product, "robbing the population of precious resources that can be used to reduce poverty and promote sustainable development."

The conference was attended by some 200 government officials and representatives of the private sector and the international donor community.