By AKM Moinuddin
Dhaka, Jul 17 (UNB) – A two-day Regional Conference on Intellectual Property (IP) that begins here Monday will create a common platform for the least developed countries (LDCs) in the Asia and Pacific region for sharing ideas and experiences in advancing innovation and creativity.
The conference, first of its kind in Bangladesh, will focus on nature, modernization and implementation strategies of Intellectual Property Policy (IPP), copyright issues and industrial design of the LDCs in the Asia and the Pacific region, Industries Minister Dilip Barua said at a press conference on Saturday at the ministry’s conference room.
Briefing the newsmen about the aims and preparation of the July 19-20 conference, he said: “The recommendations and strategies to come from the conference will help Bangladesh a lot in formulating its future policy on Intellectual Property (IP).”
“Bangladesh will also 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,” Barua said.
He said the conference is the outcome of a sideline talks between him and WIPO director general Dr Francis Gurry during a meeting on strategic use of intellectual property held in Geneva July last year.
Fifteen least developed countries (LDCs) from the Asia and Pacific region will participate in the conference that will kick off at city’s Sonargaon Hotel.
Ministry of Industries, Bangladesh in cooperation with World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) will arrange the conference.
Minister Barua said it is for the first time that Bangladesh will be the part of such a big international conference, which is a big achievement of the present government.
Three members from each of the 15 LDCs, 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 will preside over the sessions.
Industries Secretary Dewan Zakir Hossain and senior officials of foreign affairs and cultural affairs ministries were present at the press conference.
END/UNB/AMK/
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