News From The IBA The International Bar Association to Focus on Asia

Recognising the challenge to be the global voice of the legal profession, the International Bar Association ('IBA') has launched a programme of activity for the profession in Asia and the Pacific Rim and lawyers from other parts of the world who regularly undertake business in the region.

'Asia continues to be the focus of attention for international business, and the demands of our clients require us to have a detailed knowledge of the profession and laws across Asian jurisdictions', said Jacques Buhart, chair of the IBA's Section on Business Law ('SBL'), during his recent visit to Asia. As the partner responsible for Coudert Brothers' Europe/Asian practice, Jacques Buhart knows that 'The International Bar Association has the capability, through its conferences, to bring together lawyers from around the world and raise awareness of changes in laws whilst building a network of contacts'.

Next year, the IBA will commence its focus on Asia with two major conferences. Bangkok will host the first conference in January 2002 featuring developments in corporate governance in a number of key Asian jurisdictions. Thai-based lawyer, Dr Chanvitaya Suvarnapunya, is working with other Bangkok lawyers to develop a strong programme. 'The concept is to concentrate on the technical issues arising from the modifications which have been made within Asia on director's liabilities, financial transparency and the rights of minority shareholders. The IBA is providing an important occasion to debate issues that are central to the practices of many lawyers conducting business in Thailand and elsewhere in the region', said Dr Suvarnapunya. 'We expect the two-day programme to attract considerable interest from outside the region highlighting the IBA's global reach.'

The second programme in 2002 will be held in November and will focus on financial law issues. Tokyo has been selected as the venue for the two-day programme in response to the development of Japan's financial laws, particularly the modernisation of its securities laws. Other jurisdictions in Asia have also witnessed a growing change in laws relating to financial services and will feature in the programme. There is a continuing need amongst the legal profession to find a cost-effective way to keep up to date and build up international contacts. The IBA can provide this resource.

For more than 50 years, the IBA has gained worldwide recognition for its service to the legal profession. As it continues to maintain its leading position in the international legal market, so it recognises the need to provide a relevant service to the profession. The IBA's dual membership of more than 16,000 members from around the world and 180 bar associations and law society members makes it able to respond to cutting-edge developments in laws and the profession. The IBA's Executive Director, Mark Ellis, a lawyer from the US, is clear on the way ahead.

The IBA must provide a service to the legal profession that is dynamic, relevant and takes into account the increasing demands placed on lawyers' time. If we are to be the global voice of the legal profession we must be easily accessible and reach across time zones. As an example of this approach, the continued development of our website will provide a valuable resource for information, online programmes, publishing and contact with our members.

The IBA's Asia Pacific Forum ('APF'), which co-ordinates the IBA's activity in Asia and the Pacific Rim, is chaired by Singapore lawyer, Christopher Lau, SC.

The IBA has a hard task to reach across the world, but I know from personal experience that it is able to achieve this. Our role at the APF is to act as the voice of the Asian legal profession within the broader context of the IBA's global reach. The IBA's focus on Asia next year and plans for beyond is a clear indication that the role we are playing is working.

For further information about the IBA and the activities planned for Asia in 2002, visit our website at www.ibanet.org, send an e-mail to members@int-bar.org or fax to +44 (0) 20 7492 4460.