Over 70 officials from the Ministry of Science and Technology, other ministries and private companies are upgrading their knowledge of copyrights and other associated rights.

The workshop is being held in Vientiane Capital on May 12-13 in the presence of Mr Khanlasy Keobounphanh, Director General of Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ms Taka Horio, Deputy Director of the International Affairs Division, Japan Copyrights Office, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.

“Copyrights are a way to protect intellectual property and promote socio-economic growth in society and culture in the nation,” said Ms Khanlasy Keobounphanh.

She went on, “The Ministry of Science and Technology, as well as Lao Government, prioritizes the protection of intellectual and creative properties whether they are from Lao people or others from the international community.”

The workshop was organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization in cooperation with the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Sciences and Technology, Government of Laos, with the assistance of the Japan Copyright Office, Agency for Cultural Affairs, Government of Japan.

The main objectives of the workshop are to increase awareness of copyrights and related rights and to promote a better understanding on the role of copyrights in enhancing cultural and economic development and encouraging creativity, said Ms Yui Ema, Associate Officer of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

A study in 2014 showed that the contribution of the creative industries to national growth and development is estimated to average 5.18% of GDP.  This is a significant contribution to economic development and helps policy makers see the evidence that encourages support for these industries.

More and more developing countries are realizing that creativity is a crucial key to enrich their countries, not only culturally but also economically. It will bring benefits to all including creators, users and the society.

Consequently, the World Intellectual Property Organisation is encouraging developing countries to strengthen their copyright laws and providing these countries with opportunities to increase their knowledge of copyrights and related rights by holding workshops at both national and regional levels.

“I hope that the presentations and discussions during the workshop will provide useful information on copyrights and related rights, particularly their role in promoting creativity, cultural prosperity and economic growth in the country and as an important key in formulating legislations and policies in the field of copyrights and related rights.

Source:
courtesy of KPL NEWS AGENCY

by KPL

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