43. The representative of the European Communities said that his delegation noted with satisfaction certain progress that had been made on IPRs and certain ongoing positive initiatives that had been taken by China to tackle remaining problems. However, like other delegations he remained concerned by the very high level of counterfeiting and piracy in China. According to EC customs statistics of 2006, China remained the main source of counterfeited and pirated goods, with over 86 per cent of counterfeit goods seized at the EU border coming from China. His delegation remained particularly worried by the lack of criminal prosecution. The sanctions against IPR infringement were insufficient and not a deterrent. Civil and administrative procedures against counterfeiting and piracy remained expensive and time-consuming. The European Communities therefore urged China to actively pursue its efforts towards an effective IP protection and enforcement system.
44. In this respect, he recalled that the European Communities and China had established a structured dialogue on intellectual property and had set up, in that framework, a joint IP Working Group, the fourth session of which had met in Beijing on 27-28 September. He hoped that such a cooperative approach with China on IPR issues would lead to concrete and tangible results, as these were much needed. Finally, he said that he looked forward to a comprehensive reply to the questions posed in writing in document IP/C/W/503 of 11 October 2007 and hoped that what appeared to him as lack of cooperation of China in this TRM would not have to be interpreted as a lack of respect for the questions asked by Members.
