The Conference, co-organized by the National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) of China, National Copyright Administration, Ministry of Commerce, People's Government of Beijing Municipality and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) was held in Beijing on August 28. This conference focuses on inclusiveness, development, cooperation and mutual benefit. Participants discuss how to beef up IP cooperation among the countries along the Belt and Road to support the development of IP community. 

Chinese State Councilor Wang Yong opened the Conference with a keynote speech. Wang Yong wished that IP cooperation among countries and regions along the Belt and Road become more extensive, intensive and pragmatic, and expedite the formation of a new innovation pattern by making better use of IP system in a bid to stimulate innovation and boost IP protection and use. Concerted efforts are supposed to be made to improve IP laws and regulations, enhance IP examination quality and efficiency, and establish an IP protection climate featuring openness, transparency, impartiality and efficiency, making greater contribution to innovative development and economic prosperity in the region.  WIPO Director General Francis Gurry appreciated Chinese government's efforts in promoting such cooperation among the Belt and Road countries and valuable support China has shown for the work of WIPO. "WIPO is willing to make joint efforts with all other countries to reinforce communication and cooperation, and make concerted efforts to boost global IP system building and promote IP development and economy prosperity among those countries," said Gurry. 

CNIPA Commissioner Shen Changyu, Senior Minister/Minister of Industry and Handicraft of Cambodia Cham Prasidh, China's Assistant Minister of Commerce Li Chenggang, Eurasian Patent Organization (EAPO) President Saule Tlevlessova delivered their keynote speech respectively.  

Shen made three proposals to beef up IP cooperation among the participating countries. The first is to join hands to facilitate such cooperation to a higher level. The second is to improve IP infrastructure. The third is to harden IP protection. 

Representatives of IP administrations, international and regional organizations and embassies in China from nearly 60 countries along the Belt and Road and 300 guests from the members of inter-ministerial meeting on implementation of National IP Strategy of State Council, domestic IP system, businesses, IP services and academic circles participated in this conference. During the conference, participants shared comments on the importance of IP in capacity upgrading for industries and facilitating the economic development for the Belt and Road countries, development of global IP systems and joint strategies to face new challenges in the digital era——laws, policies and enhanced cooperation, inspiring innovation through enhanced commercialization and utilization of IP as key intangible asset. In addition, participants also exchanged views on strengthening the protection of IP and exploring for country specific IP protection models to create a favorable business climate, IP protection in the areas of genetic resources, traditional knowledge and folklore——national experience on laws and best practice, and sustained multilateral cooperation in IP in support of innovation and creativity.

"The conference makes the anticipated result and it has formed a broad consensus on deepening IP cooperation for countries along the Belt and Road," Liu Junchen, Secretary of Party Committee and Deputy Commissioner of CNIPA, said in his speech at the closing ceremony. Liu wished all countries involved join hands and make greater contributions to the common development and prosperity.