87. The representative of Japan underlined the importance of improving technical assistance for the sustainable development of developing Members, in particular from the perspectives of the promotion of innovation and development of local industry through the creation of its own brands, and the promotion of foreign direct investment. In addition to the conventional funds for developing country Members in the Asia-Pacific region, Japan had set a new WIPO fund trust of CHF 110 millions as a voluntary contribution to Africa and LDCs. Utilizing these funds, his delegation was committed to various cooperative activities to improve IP systems through various channels, including IP training. An event to launch this fund was organized by WIPO on 26-27 May 2009 in Pretoria, South Africa, in cooperation with the Intellectual Property Registration Office of South Africa and the Japan Patent Office, under the theme of experience in successfully linking IP and business. Intellectual property policy makers from 43 African countries participated. The seminar had been successful in providing an opportunity to reflect upon an environment for the effective use and management of IP assets. Good practices introduced at the seminar had not been only those of developed countries but also those of many developing countries. This sort of sharing of experience was very meaningful for learning how to effectively link IP with development. The fund trust programme continued to support the human resources development programme for government officials, intellectual property policy makers and experts. His delegation intended to continue to provide technical assistance. Through such efforts, it wished to contribute to the capacity building of developing countries in the field of intellectual property. Finally, he supported Switzerland's proposal to coordinate various assistance mechanisms in the framework of the Council's next meeting.
