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                                                                   Exhibit 99.17

                             EMPIRE GLOBAL CORP.'s
                              BUSINESS PRACTICES


                       Corporate Social Responsibility


Empire Global Corp. is committed to being a good corporate citizen in each and
every country in which we operate. We are committed to the principle of
sustainable development, striving to minimize our environmental footprint, while
simultaneously strengthening the economic and social well being of the
communities where we operate.

We conduct our business in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Every Empire Global Corp. employee, contractor and consultant engaged in any of
our operations worldwide must comply with the laws and regulations of the
country where they are involved. However, we recognize that legal compliance is
a minimum, and not our entire ethical and social responsibility.

We will operate in a manner consistent with recognized global industry standards
and try to exceed them as economic and operational constraints permit.


                     Our Commitments to Our Stakeholders


Shareholders

We strive to maximize value for our shareholders and to meet the expectations we
communicate. We consider that maintaining the trust of our shareholders is a
crucial component to our success. In order to maintain that trust, our decisions
will take into account not only economic, but also human, social and
environmental considerations that are applicable to our business. We disclose
relevant and reliable information to our shareholders, subject to legal
requirements and competitive constraints.


Employees

Empire Global Corp. strives to be an employer of choice in all of its global
operations. We are committed to act in a manner consistent with internationally
recognized labour standards in our areas of operation. We are committed to
non-discrimination in employment and we will not engage in or tolerate
discrimination in our workplace. We all share the responsibility for creating an
atmosphere of fairness, integrity and respect towards others.


Local communities

We seek to develop enduring and mutually beneficial relationships with the
communities in which we operate and to contribute to their economic and social
development. We engage in consultation with local communities, interest groups,
and local governments in order that significant issues arising from our
operations are identified and effectively addressed. We strive to provide
meaningful employment opportunities for people from the local community.

Outside working hours, our employees are encouraged to participate in
charitable, educational, community and civic activities and projects that




enhance the quality of community life, as long as these activities do not
interfere with their ability to do their job or present any other kind of
conflict.

Empire Global Corp. supports and respects the protection of internationally
recognized human rights in our areas of operation, and will not take part in
human rights abuses.


Government and Customers

Empire Global Corp. interacts with government and regulatory agencies in an
honest and cooperative manner. We seek to establish long term relationships and
effective communications with the governments of countries where we operate. We
are attentive to our customers' needs, treat them fairly and provide them with
quality products and services.


Suppliers, contractors, consultants and industry partners

Suppliers, contractors, consultants, and industry partners contribute to our
success. We deal with them fairly, and treat them with integrity and respect.

We expect our suppliers, contractors and consultants to conduct their business
with Empire Global Corp. in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We
also expect them to act consistently with the principles outlined in this Code
and key Empire Global Corp. policies, such as those related to business ethics,
environment, health and safety, and workplace practices. Empire Global Corp.
also requires that its contracted operators act according to principles
compatible with those of this Code when conducting operations for Empire Global
Corp..


Competitors

We seek to compete fairly and honestly. We will only acquire information about
our competitors by legal and ethical means. Empire Global Corp. co-operates with
and contributes to the development of our industry by participating in related
industry associations.


                        Bribery, Corruption and Gifts

We conduct our business in an open, honest and above-board manner, and do not
seek to exercise improper influence on suppliers, customers, government
officials, prospective employees or any other person doing business or wishing
to do business with Empire Global Corp.. We want to prevent even the appearance
of such influence.

We do not solicit or pay bribes, for any purpose, including obtaining or
retaining business. We also avoid being placed in situations where our own
judgement might be influenced or appears to be influenced by improper
considerations. We also do not pay or accept any "kickbacks" from a contractor.

Empire Global Corp. complies with to the Corruption of Foreign Public Officials
Act (Canada), the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (USA) and equivalent legislation
in other countries.

We do not accept or give gifts, favours, personal advantages, services payments,
loans, or benefits of any kind, other than those of nominal value that can be
made as a generally accepted business practice