87. The representative of Australia, thanking the United States for producing a useful paper, noted the importance of trade in IP to the economy and the international competitiveness of countries. Understanding the concerns of many countries, he supported their right to have this issue raised in the Council. IP enforcement was a priority issue for Australia, and he saw real benefits in having the discussion. Australia was a net importer of IP and took the protection of IP very seriously. Experience had shown that learning from other countries had helped it save valuable resources in its own approach to protecting IP. He believed that the sharing of best practices made a useful contribution to the Council's work. This was an approach similar to the one that Australia had taken in many issues under discussion in the Council.
