China, ASEAN judicial delegates reach agreements

Top judicial authorities of China and ASEAN countries reached agreements on judicial cooperation in a forum held in Nanning, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, on Wednesday.

About 100 judicial delegates, including presidents and chief judges of top courts from China and ASEAN countries, took part in the two-day China-ASEAN Justice Forum, studying judicial reform, training and diversified dispute settlements in each country.

The delegates said building a mutually beneficial legal environment would contribute to the upgrading of the ASEAN-China Free Trade Area, established in 2002.

The countries agreed to provide more training and communication opportunities for judges, aiming to boost their ability to accurately implement laws and international trade rules.

The participants also reached an agreement to deepen judicial reforms so as improve their judicial systems and provide legal support for the free trade area.

It was the first time for judicial officers at such a high level to hold discussions and reach agreements on judicial cooperation.

The agreements have been effective since Wednesday.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn