**Interview with Legal Experts on New Paths for Cross-Border Legal Services between China and ASEAN**
On October 19, the inaugural Hainan Free Trade Port Legal Week kicked off in Haikou, bringing together legal professionals from China and ASEAN to discuss new avenues for cooperation in the legal services sector under the frameworks of the Belt and Road Initiative and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).
Given the recent upgrade of the China-ASEAN Free Trade Zone and the implementation of RCEP, trade and economic cooperation between China and ASEAN has become increasingly robust. According to Chinese statistics, trade volume between China and ASEAN countries surged from 876.38 billion yuan in 2004 to 6.41 trillion yuan in 2023, marking an average annual growth rate of 11%. ASEAN has solidified its position as China’s largest trading partner.
Zheng Dayong, the head of TKT Law Firm and Vice President of the China-ASEAN Legal Cooperation Center in Malaysia, emphasized the need for closer collaboration and coordination in legal services as economic activities between ASEAN countries and China become more frequent. He pointed out that there is a particular demand for improved practices in cross-border contracts, investment protection, and dispute resolution. “To achieve this, we can promote partnerships among law firms across countries, establish common legal frameworks and standards, and ensure consistency and efficiency in legal services,” he suggested.
Li Chun, founding partner and managing partner of Zhonglun W&D Law Firm, highlighted that ASEAN is a region where traditional and modern legal cultures coexist. This duality adds complexity and offers opportunities for cross-border legal services, necessitating lawyers who possess expertise across different legal systems, regions, and industries.
Huang Shan, Director of the Guangzhou Office of the Belt and Road Lawyers Alliance and Executive Member of the All China Lawyers Association, recommended that legal service providers serve as “bridges” and “translators.” He noted that it’s not only important to offer legal services but also to understand and convey different cultural perspectives.
Bunnasomboon Chaiparinya, a partner at JTJB International Law Firm and Director of Thai Tao Legal Office in Bangkok, argued that cross-border legal services should not be limited to corporate compliance but should also encompass support for businesses in selecting investment types in various countries and recruiting local talent.
In response to the challenges posed by cross-border legal services, Zheng Dayong proposed that ASEAN and China develop more legal professionals with international legal knowledge and familiarity with multiple legal systems. He suggested establishing legal training programs and internships to enhance the professional capabilities and global outlook of lawyers, ultimately supporting regional legal collaboration.
Another significant challenge facing cross-border legal services is the ability to promptly address complex international matters. Zheng Dayong believes that leveraging legal technology and artificial intelligence can significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of handling cross-border cases.
