125. The representative of Angola supported the statements made by Egypt and Tanzania, suggesting that consultations be launched in order to identify the obstacles preventing Members from accepting the Protocol. The system had been negotiated by developing countries, but mostly developed countries had accepted the amendment of the TRIPS Agreement. There was a lack of information which needed to be addressed by the TRIPS Council and through technical assistance. This could help setting up local manufacturing capacities to produce anti malaria medicines instead of importing them, ensuring thus transfer of technology. This would make many more Members accept the Protocol as a means to reduce imports of costly medicines. As part of its capacity building activities, the WTO Secretariat should look at how best to sensitize Members to the benefits of accepting the TRIPS amendment, including by setting up local production facilities to reduce the costs arising from the import of medicines.
