WIPO Director General Ends Latin America Four-Nation Visit in Cuba
March 28, 2022
Havana – Concluding a four-nation visit in Latin America, WIPO Director General Daren Tang visited Cuba where he met President Miguel Díaz-Canel to discuss the importance of IP-backed innovation to the development of the country’s economy and the business sector.
Mr. Tang was briefed on Cuba’s efforts to develop its innovation ecosystem, including science, technology and innovation in Cuba’s National Plan for Economic and Social Development 2030.
President Díaz-Canel said the Government's innovation management system is based on science and technology, integrating economic, social and environmental dimensions and taking into account all stakeholders.
Mr. Tang shared WIPO’s vision for managing IP-supported innovation as a horizontal, cutting across many sectors of the economy, and ultimately as a powerful catalyst for growth and development.
The President welcomed Mr. Tang’s focus on building an IP ecosystem that is inclusive, balanced and diverse with particular emphasis on women, youth and SMEs.
President Díaz-Canel gave an overview of his country’s innovation agenda, which includes not only its biotech sector but also food sovereignty and environmental sustainability.
The Director General commended Cuba’s robust response to the COVID-19 pandemic which showed the island’s expertise in the biopharma area. President Díaz-Canel said the COVID-19 vaccines were developed in record time.
Later in the day, Mr. Tang presented the inventors of the vaccines with WIPO awards in recognition of their achievements, in the presence of President Díaz-Canel.