Focus on promoting practical cooperation at Beijing event

Intellectual property seen as key driver of innovation, creativity and economic growth

Participants at the third Belt and Road High-level Conference on Intellectual Property called for more regional cooperation and consensus on intellectual property to foster innovation and economic growth.

Themed around "openness, cooperation, development and mutual benefit", the conference, which concludes on Friday in Beijing, has brought together about 450 participants from countries and regions participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, including senior officials, heads of foreign IP institutions, corporate leaders and scholars.

Denis Loukou Bohoussou, director general of the African Intellectual Property Organization, said in his speech that regional cooperation on intellectual property is increasingly important and it hasn't received the attention it deserves.

The cooperation should be built on the sharing of existing resources while considering the different conditions and legal environment of each country, he said.

"And in this way, we can better advance balanced IP development and wield a positive impact on every country's creative and culture sectors."

IP plays a vital role in driving innovation, creativity, sustainability and economic growth today, said Chansouk Sengphachanh, vice-minister of industry and commerce from Laos, which holds the rotating chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

IP cooperation has long been a priority for ASEAN, which requires open dialogue, mutual understanding and a willingness to reconcile differences, she said.

"We need to expand cooperation to build a stronger and more integrated IP ecosystem. It will further boost cross-border investment and trade and benefit not only ASEAN member states but our partner countries," Sengphachanh added.

Focusing on topics such as digital transformation and green development, the participants also shared the experiences and insights of their respective countries during the event.

Indonesia is now revising its existing Law on Industrial Design and Law on Patent to improve the legal framework for IP protection, said Yasmon, director for cooperation and education at the Directorate General of Intellectual Property of Indonesia.

It is also improving its IP administration system based on information technology, while investing more resources in IP education and expanding international cooperation.

As an island country vulnerable to climate change, the Maldives has long been committed to eco-friendly technology and the green economy, said Yusuf Riza, permanent secretary of the country's Ministry of Economic Development.

To attract more foreign investors that can provide sustainable solutions, the country is establishing an all-around IP legal system and engaging with international IP organizations to ensure its laws and regulations are in line with global standards, Riza said.

While the work is still in its infancy, it is expected to make progress with the support of the BRI and many other international platforms, Riza said.

Rory Wayne Voller, commissioner of the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission of South Africa, said that his country has realized the huge burden that traditional energy sources place on the environment and the economy, and it has shifted its focus to clean energy.

"Solar energy stands out as one of South Africa's most abundant resources. To fully tap into its potential, the key lies in innovation," he said.

IP plays a pivotal role in the innovation process, facilitating the development and application of new technologies, Voller said, adding that the commission has released a batch of favorable policies aimed at the solar energy sector.

Industry leaders including those from Chinese e-commerce giant JD and the State-owned enterprise China Three Gorges Corporation presented their efforts on innovation and IP support as well as their latest achievements.