191. Technology and innovation are undoubtedly a key factor in responding to the urgent needs of human life, be it in the area of health, food security or other essential areas of life. Technology also plays a key role in economic development. The LDCs cannot guarantee their economic development unless the existing technological gap is resolved. This, should it remain, would continue the marginalisation of LDCs in the global economy.
192. Members will recall that for more than a decade ago, a decision was adopted by the Ministers on this matter. The implementation of that decision, in order to allow for the creation of a solid and viable technological base in the LDCs is still quite limited. Perhaps the time has come for Members to become involved in a review of the transfer of technology and to seek a framework that will take account of the situation as it exists in the field. We have always said that the report on the implementation of obligations is not satisfactory, and for that reason we have requested the formal adoption of a standardised form for the presentation of future reports.
193. To that end, we submitted in 2011 a proposal on the improvement of reports (IP/C/W/561). If accepted, it will enable Members to follow the improvement in the programme. We would encourage Members to implement Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement, which requests Members to provide incentives to promote transfer of technology to LDC Members. Before I conclude, I would like to thank all of the Members who have met their obligations during the review and encourage them to provide further improvements.
