Approving plan for execution of the 1970 La Hague Convention on Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters in Vietnam

Considering the proposal of Ministry of Justice, the Prime Minister has approved Decision No. 924/QĐ- TTg on the plan for the execution of the 1970 La Hague Convention on the Taking of Evidence Abroad in Civil and Commercial Matters in Vietnam.

The plan aims to help the country maximise the benefits and fulfill all of its commitments as a party to the Convention. Besides, the implementation of the plan also helps to enhance the capacity and efficiency in judicial entrustment in the taking of evidence to improve the settlement of civil cases involving foreign elements in Vietnam, and at the same time, facilitates the improvement of the country's current laws regarding mutual legal assistance in civil matters to reach international standards.

According to the plan, missions and solutions are concentrated on communicating, raising public awareness, and promoting computerization of judicial entrusted activities. Additionally, they will improve regulations on the taking of evidence in civil matters and promote capacity building for officials enforcing the Convention.

Ministry of Justice has been tasked to function as the focal point in organizing the plan in accordance with regulations of the international law in 2016. In addition, Ministry of Justice will also coordinate with Ministry of Foreign Affair, Supreme People's Court, Supreme People's Procuracy, Ministry of Public Security to deploy and implement the plan.

In 2020 - 2021, Vietnamese authorities will deploy in building instructions for the execution of Convention in Vietnam based on domestic regulations and the practical handbook for execution of La Hague Convention on private international law.  Ministry of Justice will also revise, provide and update information about taking of evidence according to Vietnamese laws for La Hague Convention as well as update information of member states approving of the Vietnamese application and regulations of the member states on taking of evidence requirements.

In the period of 2020 to 2021, Vietnamese authorities are expected to hold some special training courses and professional instructions on the execution of the Convention for authorities' officials carrying out the taking of evidence entrustment nationwide. Moreover, depending on actual work requirements, relevant officials will also have opportunities attend La Hague meetings related to the Convention, and exchange, study, and share knowledge with other member states of the Convention.