H.E. Ambassador Dr Walter Werner

Bangladesh

12 LDC GROUP PROPOSAL ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 66.2 OF THE TRIPS AGREEMENT (IP/C/W/640)

300.   My delegation fully associates itself with the statement made by Chad on behalf of the LDC Group. Listening to the intervention and presentation made by the proponent under the Agenda item 11 we are thinking that if the LDCs had such technological base, we could have prospered like others. But unfortunately, that is not the case, and we aspire to have this, with the support of our development partners. Implementation of Article 66.2 in the letter and spirit will help us to reach that stage. 301.   We follow the technical assistance projects and programmes for creating viable technology bases in LDCs and other developing countries as reported in the submissions made by developed country Members under the annual review. We believe that if these activities are supported by the measures as recorded by Article 66.2, it will help us to gradually develop a viable technological base. 302.   In this context, we request the Council to examine the list and come up with a decision. We are ready to engage in any format to help to have an outcome on the implementation of Article 66.2 in an effective way.

39.   The Chair said that the Central African Republic, on behalf of the LDC Group, had requested the inclusion of the agenda item "LDC Group Proposal on the Implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement". Reference had been made to an earlier communication from the LDC Group, on the same topic, that had already been introduced at the Council's last meeting (circulated in document IP/C/W/640). As requested by Bangladesh on behalf of the LDC Group, he had also facilitated an informal meeting between representatives from the LDC Group and developed country Members, which had taken place the previous week. Those initial discussions of the LDC Group Proposal had focused on the incentives needed to encourage companies to transfer technologies to LDCs and on the reporting mechanism. They had been very constructive.
40.   As follow up to that initial discussion, the LDC Group had also made available an illustrative list of incentives for consideration by Members. Printed copies of the room document RD/IP/24 had been made available for delegations in French and English.
41.   The representatives of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group; Bangladesh; the United States; India; Norway; New Zealand; the European Union; Canada; Australia; Switzerland; Japan; Brazil; and Nepal took the floor.
42.   The Chair said that he would continue to facilitate consultations amongst Members to find possible solutions.
43.   Council took note of the statements made.

IP/C/M/89, IP/C/M/89/Add.1