106. The representative of Bangladesh said that Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement asked developed country Members to provide incentives to their enterprises and institutions for promoting and encouraging technology transfer to LDCs. This paragraph was meant to ensure that new technologies would reach LDCs, the most vulnerable group in global economic scenario, so that they would have a chance to create a competitive technological base. His delegation was grateful to the Members who regularly updated the TRIPS Council as to the activities and initiatives that were being taken to comply with this Article and called upon other developed country Members to do the same. He said that the reports were quite detailed and informed the Council on the initiatives being taken by the respective governments. He appreciated their sincerity to the cause of LDCs. However, LDCs were interested in knowing how the technical assistance featured in the reports had actually led to transfer of technology. Specific examples of successful technology transfer would be helpful in enabling the comparison and compilation of best practices in this priority area.
107. International trade was led by the private sector. LDCs had been trying to strengthen their private sectors, for which technology transfer was a key element. His delegation was interested in knowing from each developed country Member about the incentives and policies which they had been providing or planned to provide to their enterprises and institutions for promoting technology transfer to LDCs and particularly how the private sector was responding to these incentives. Specific examples would be helpful for the purpose of understanding developments in this regard and of following best practices.
