The consultations between ASEAN Economic Ministers and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) were held here on Tuesday, discussing measures to protect intellectual property in the bloc, according to a press release after the meeting.

The dialogues were made between ASEAN Economic Ministers led by Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh and Francis Gurry, WIPO's director-general.

The press release said that the issues in discussions included approaches and practices in the promotion of intellectual property creation, commercialization and protection; policy areas and initiatives in the context of the ASEAN-Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Action Plan 2011-2015; market opportunities and priority areas for action and reform; and use of IPRs and competitiveness.

Speaking to reporters in a press briefing after the meeting, Francis Gurry appreciated ASEAN for its commitment to improve intellectual property climate in the context that the bloc has been working closely to build a community by 2015.

"The use of intellectual property is not only a mean of improving the integration of the market in ASEAN, but also improving the competitive position of the ASEAN economies," he said.

The meeting was made while the ASEAN Economic Ministers are gathering here in the 44th summit.

Besides attending the meeting, Francis Gurry had met Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, and had bilateral meetings with Cambodian Minister of Commerce Cham Prasidh, Minister of Industry Suy Sem, and Minister of Culture Him Chhem in order to discuss further cooperation in intellectual property.

(Source: Xinhua)