WIPO Director General welcomes Belarus Efforts to Promote Innovation and Creativity

Geneva, February 6, 2007
UPD/2007/286

The Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), Dr. Kamil Idris, has welcomed efforts by the Government of Belarus to promote innovation and creativity in the country through strategic use of the intellectual property system. This came during an official visit by Dr. Idris to Minsk on January 31-February 1, 2007 where the Director General met with the President, Mr. Alexander Lukashenko, the Prime Minister, Mr. Sergei Sidorsky and other top Government officials.

At a meeting with the Council of Ministers, Dr. Idris lauded the focused approach taken by the Government of Belarus to encouraging and developing innovation, as set out in the Government’s Program on Development of Innovation Activities for 2007 to 2010 and the Program on the Protection and Management of Intellectual Property for 2007 to 2010. Dr. Idris said the Government of Belarus has recognized the importance of intellectual property in enhancing innovation and creativity and fostering economic growth and social and cultural well-being. He also pointed out the importance of effective enforcement mechanisms.

Dr. Idris echoed this in a meeting with the President of Belarus. He said that initiatives by the Government to move towards an IP-minded culture demonstrated the belief that a dynamic intellectual property system, underpinned by a solid legislative framework and serviced by well-trained personnel, is a key component in increasing competitiveness and attracting investment.

A statement signed jointly by the Prime Minister and the Director General pledged increased cooperation between WIPO and the Belarus Government, in particular in the area of human resource development. It underscored WIPO’s commitment to working with the Government of Belarus in attaining the country’s goals of strengthening the intellectual property system and the development of innovation.

Dr. Idris met with top officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including the Foreign Minister, Mr. Sergei Martynov, and discussed national legislation in the field of intellectual property and WIPO treaties, human resources development and training and bilateral relations with WIPO.

Dr. Idris also received an Honorary Professor title from the Belarussian State University in recognition of his contribution to development and promotion of intellectual property. The award was presented by the Rector of the Belarussian State University, Mr. Vasili Strazhev.

Dr. Idris also visited the National Library and met with Mr. Vladimir Matushkov, Chairman of the Committee on Science and Technologies. Dr. Idris pledged WIPO’s support in the establishment by Belarus of an electronic library to ensure protection of the country’s scientific and artistic heritage.