Chinese Lawyers Conference 2000 Opens

Chinese Lawyers Conference 2000 Opens

The Chinese Lawyers Conference 2000, aimed at discussing opportunities and challenges in the new century, especially after China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), opened in Beijing Saturday.

Wei Jianxing, a Standing Committee member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), Luo Gan, a member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, and nearly 1000 lawyers from across the nation attended the opening ceremony.

Luo Gan, who is also secretary of the Committee of Political Science and Law Under the CPC Central Committee, delivered a speech, calling upon lawyers to serve for the reform, development and stability of the country.

Luo said that lawyers should further improve their political awareness and professional skills to play a more important role in social and economic undertakings in China.

He stressed that with China's impending accession into WTO, lawyers should improve their services so as to gain an edge in international competition.

Luo pointed out that the leadership of the CPC is the unshakable principle guiding the reform and development of the Chinese Bar.

Gao Changli, minister of Justice, said that the reform of the Chinese law firm system is of vital importance to the governing of the country according to law and to the socialist construction of China.

Jacques Buhart, chairman of the Business Law Section of the International Bar Association, expressed the hope in his speech that more Chinese solicitors join the International Bar Association.

Duan Zhengkun, vice minister of Justice, presided over the opening ceremony.

Solicitors from Hong Kong and Taiwan were invited to attend the meeting for the first time.