On the theme of "ASEAN Charter Taking ASEAN to New Heights", the conference is of great significance for promoting legal cooperation among member countries to bring the ASEAN Charter to life before establishing the ASEAN Community by 2015.

This is the first time the conference has been held since the adoption of the ASEAN Charter by its member countries in late 2008. To reach the goal of forming the ASEAN community by 2015, more joint efforts need to be made in various areas such as politics, economics, social affairs, security and legal cooperation.

To build a strong and sustainable ASEAN, it is imperative to develop the country’s legal system and to ensure a uniform legal system within the community.

During the conference, six seminars will be held with a focus on implementing the ASEAN Charter on the educational and legal system, dealing with pending legal issues under the ASEAN Charter, evaluating the investment laws in ASEAN countries and improving the implementation of decisions made by international trade arbitrators in ASEAN nations.

This event is important for Vietnam, which hosts country the 10^th General Assembly and assumes the presidency of ASEAN in the 2010-2011 term.

Mr Anh said that in its capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Law Association, Vietnam will contribute to boosting legal cooperation among ASEAN nations so that they can fully take part in the association’s activities.

Vietnam wants to enhance the enforcement of the Trade Arbitration Law to help to settle trade disputes during the integration process and the ASEAN Law Association should give more help to the disadvantaged and protect the interests of guest workers in ASEAN nations, Mr Anh noted.