(A scene at the first annual conference of the International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities in Xianghe County of northern China's Hebei Province. Photo: ce.cn)

The International Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (IAACA) announced its establishment on Wednesday.

Jia Chunwang, head of China's Supreme People's Procuratorate, was elected president of the IAACA.

The establishment of IAACA came on the closing day of a five-day conference, attended by more than 900 delegates from anti-corruption authorities in 137 countries and regions and 12 international organizations.

The delegates celebrated the establishment of IAACA with long applause at the closing ceremony.

"The successful conclusion of the meeting marks a new era of international cooperation in fighting graft," Jia said. "I feel great responsibility as the chair of the IAACA and sincerely hope members will try their best to assist the work of IAACA."

He said China is willing to seek further assistance from the international community in fighting corruption.

The IAACA grew out of the United Nations Convention Against Corruption (UNCAC), which is scheduled to come into effect on Dec.14, said Ye Feng, member of Prosecutorial Committee of the Supreme People's Procuratorate of China.

The association will "promote international cooperation in gathering and providing evidence, in tracking, seizing and forfeiting the proceeds of corrupt activities and in the prosecution of fugitive criminals," he said.

"IAACA is aimed at strengthening international cooperation between national anti-corruption authorities," said Ye Feng, noting the IAACA is a non-profit organization which is independent, professional and non-political.

According to the IAACA constitution, it offers professional training programs on anti-corruption and aims to facilitate the dissemination of expertise and experience.

"The association will help global anti-corruption authorities establish direct contact with one another," said Bulelani Ngcuka, former National Director of Public Prosecutions of the Republic of South Africa.
 
Editor: Yan