VIAC welcomes the Canadian Bar Association and VIST Project Delegation to explore cooperation opportunities

On the morning of 01 July 2026, the Vietnam International Arbitration Centre (VIAC) welcomed a delegation from the Canadian Bar Association (CBA) and the Management Board of the Vietnam Initiative for Strengthening Trade (VIST) Project at its headquarters for a working session to discuss potential areas of cooperation. 

The VIAC delegation was led by Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh, President of VIAC, together with members of the Executive Board. The visiting delegation was headed by Mr. Yves Faguy, Director of Advocacy and International Initiatives at the Canadian Bar Association, and Mr. Nicolas Drouin, Project Director of the Vietnam Initiative for Strengthening Trade (VIST), with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam. 

Opening the meeting, Mr. Nicolas Drouin - Project Director of the Vietnam Initiative for Strengthening Trade (VIST), introduced the VIST Project, a seven-year initiative funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented by the Canadian Bar Association in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice of Vietnam. He noted that the Project aims to strengthen Vietnam's legal and institutional capacity while promoting gender equality in trade. It focuses on two key components: enhancing the capacity of legal professionals and supporting the development of the legal framework for the establishment of International Financial Centres in Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, alongside strengthening capacity in international commercial dispute resolution. 

Expressing strong appreciation for the Project's objectives, Prof. Dr. Le Hong Hanh remarked that Vietnam is entering a new stage of development characterized by profound institutional reforms and deeper international integration. In this context, he emphasized that international cooperation should increasingly focus on creating substantive and sustainable value through strengthening the capacity of legal institutions, dispute resolution professionals, and users of ADR services, while responding to the evolving demands of international integration and specialized economic sectors. 

The two parties in discussion during the meeting

A significant part of the discussion centered on legal capacity-building programs delivered by the Vietnam Institute of International Arbitration Research and Training (VIART), an affiliated institution of VIAC. Ms. Vu Thi Hang - Chief of Secretariat and Member of Scientific Council of VIAC, shared that VIART organizes approximately eight training programs each year. Its curriculum is developed with reference to internationally recognized standards established by leading institutions, including Queen Mary University of London, the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb), and the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR). Beyond providing theoretical knowledge, the programs place strong emphasis on developing practical advocacy and dispute resolution skills for lawyers, arbitrators and mediators, supported by rigorous competency-based assessment standards. 

Ms. Alison G. FitzGerald - Lawyer at the Canadian Bar Association

Ms. Alison G. FitzGerald - Lawyer at the Canadian Bar Association, also expressed particular interest In VIAC's approach to the management and professional development of its panel of Arbitrators and Mediators. Responding to the inquiry, Mr. Vu Anh Duong - Permanent Vice President cum Secretary General of VIAC, explained that, in addition to the statutory requirements under Vietnam's Law on Commercial Arbitration, VIAC applies stringent admission criteria relating to professional reputation, ethical standards, and practical experience. He further noted that VIAC's Arbitrator Declaration incorporates conflict-of-interest review requirements based on the International Bar Association (IBA) Guidelines, ensuring independence, impartiality, and full disclosure throughout arbitral proceedings. Following their admission to the Panel, arbitrators continue to participate in regular internal training programs and professional development seminars organized by the Centre. 

The discussion further expanded to initiatives supporting the business community, VIAC's branch network, and the broader alternative dispute resolution (ADR) ecosystem in Vietnam. Regarding institutional development and international integration, both parties exchanged views on developing specialized dispute resolution mechanisms for international trade and exploring cooperation opportunities relating to Vietnam's future International Financial Centres, an area that closely aligns with the institutional capacity-building component of the VIST Project. On international cooperation, VIAC highlighted its growing global network through Memoranda of Understanding signed with nearly twenty leading ADR institutions worldwide, including the ICC, SIAC, HKIAC, CIETAC, and SCC. In line with the Project's commitment to gender equality, both parties also agreed to explore concrete avenues of cooperation to strengthen the participation and professional role of women serving as arbitrators, mediators, lawyers, and dispute resolution experts. 

Overview of the meeting

The meeting was conducted in an open, constructive, and highly substantive atmosphere. The strong alignment between the objectives of the VIST Project and VIAC's strategic priorities - including enhancing the quality of ADR services, developing specialized legal professionals, strengthening legal institutions, and advancing gender equality—provides a solid foundation for future collaborative initiatives. Such cooperation is expected to contribute to a more robust legal environment, reinforce investor confidence, and support Vietnam's sustainable economic development.