Dhaka hosts 2-day regional meet on Intellectual Property July 19-20; Top policymakers from 15 LDCs to take part

By AKM Moinuddin

Dhaka, Jul 16 (UNB) – A two-day Regional Conference on Intellectual Property (IP) for the policymakers of 15 least developed countries (LDCs) in the Asia and Pacific region begins here on July 19 aiming at policy formulation and finalization of implementation strategies.
Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh will arrange the conference in cooperation with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). For the first time, Bangladesh will be the part of such a big international conference, which is considered a big achievement.
Three members from each of the 15 countries, including host Bangladesh, consisting of a minister, a lawmaker and a top government official will take part in the conference.
Other participating countries are Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, Maldives, Afghanistan, Yemen, Cambodia, Kiribati, Samoa, Vanuatu, Solomon Island, Tuvalu, Laos and East Timur.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to formally inaugurate the conference at Sonargaon Hotel in the city Monday morning.
A total of 14 themes have been selected for discussion in the two-day conference.
Some of the vital themes of the conference are Integrating Intellectual Property into National Development Policy and Strategies; IP and Public Policy Issues; IP and Public Health: Policy and Strategies for LDCs; Strategic Importance of Transfer of Technology; Copyright and Related Rights: Striking the Balance between Protection and Public Interest; Protection and Exploration of Traditional Knowledge and Folklores; Contribution to Sustainable Development in the LDCs; and Cooperation for Building IP Institutions in LCDs.
Foreign Minister Dr Dipu Moni, Industries Minister Dilip Barua and State Minister for Cultural Affairs Promod Mankin are likely to preside over the sessions.
Industries Ministry sources said Bangladesh would get realistic ideas through the conference on how traditional knowledge, genetic resources, folklore and traditional cultural expressions can be incorporated in country’s development and economic growth.
The conference is the outcome of a sideline talks between Industries Minister Dilip Barua and WIPO director general Dr Francis Gurry during a meeting on strategic use of intellectual property held in Geneva July last year.
WIPO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, dedicated to developing a balanced and accessible international intellectual property (IP) system, which rewards creativity, stimulates innovation and contributes to economic development while safeguarding the public interests.
END/UNB/AMK