The remarks were made by State President Nguyen Minh Triet at the VLA’s national conference on the implementation of its 2007 plan held in Hanoi on March 5 under the theme “the VLA’s role in judiciary reform and international integration”.

The association’s key task this year is to build legal documents in line with World Trade Organization (WTO) regulations, requirements for administrative reform and judiciary reform, as well as the fight against corruption and wastefulness. In addition, the VLA will also continue to promote propaganda, legal counselling and conciliation activities at the grassroots level and provide legal assistance.

Speaking at the conference, President Triet said that the VLA plays an important role in the process of judiciary and administrative reform and international integration, particularly after Vietnam has become a WTO member. He asked the association to promote its activities and renew its mode of operation in order to deal with complicated economic disputes arising from the international economic integration process.

Mr Triet also urged the VLA to take part in protecting the interests of Overseas Vietnamese and creating favourable conditions for Vietnamese people and lawyers in foreign countries to make further contributions to their homeland.