H.E. Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter (South Africa)

European Union

14 DULY MOTIVATED REQUEST BY LDCS TO EXTEND THE TRANSITION PERIOD UNDER ARTICLE 66.1 OF THE TRIPS AGREEMENT FOR LEAST DEVELOPED COUNTRY MEMBERS

822.   The European Union thanks the delegation of Chad for the communication submitted on behalf of the LDC Group on the extension of the transitional period under TRIPS Article 66.1 for least developed countries. 823.   The EU recognizes the economic, financial and administrative constraints that the least developed countries have to contend with on their path to development. We are also fully aware of the fact that the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these difficulties and that resources must be put into what is the common priority around the globe, i.e. dealing with a health crisis of unprecedented scale. 824.   Given this situation, we recognize that least developed countries will need considerably more time to implement the provisions of the TRIPS Agreement. The European Union supports the extension of the transitional period under Article 66.1 of the TRIPS Agreement. We stand ready to work on the appropriate decision of the TRIPS Council to put such extension into effect.

The Council took note of the statements made and agreed to revert to the matter at its next meeting.

78. The Chair said that the agenda item had been requested by Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group; and a communication had been circulated. She recalled that the transition period for LDC Members had been extended twice: Most recently, by the TRIPS Council Decision of 11 June 2013. Regarding extensions of the transition period, the second sentence of Article 66.1 of the TRIPS Agreement provided that "The Council for TRIPS shall, upon duly motivated request by a least developed country Member, accord extensions of this period." She invited the LDC Group to introduce the request.
79. The representative of Chad, on behalf of the LDC Group took the floor.
80. The Chair invited Members to take the floor.
81. The representatives of Bangladesh; Bangladesh, on behalf of the LDC Group, Nepal; Mali; Cambodia; Angola; Afghanistan; Senegal; Jamaica, on behalf of the ACP Group; China; South Africa; Argentina; Egypt; Tanzania, on behalf of the African Group; Indonesia; Turkey; the United States of America; the European Union; Oman; India; Japan; Nigeria; the United Kingdom; Switzerland; and the World Health Organization (WHO) took the floor.
82. The Chair proposed that the LDC Group consult with the Members, that had intervened at the present meeting, to bridge the differences. She would also be available to consult with Members. Considering the time-sensitivity due to the upcoming deadline in 2021, she proposed to revert to the request at the next meeting.
83. The Council took note of the statements made and agreed to revert to the matter at its next meeting.

IP/C/M/96, IP/C/M/96/Add.1