The 2024 International Association for the Protection of Intellectual Property (AIPPI) World Congress, themed "Balanced protection and innovative development of IP rights," opened in Hangzhou, capital of east China's Zhejiang Province on Saturday.
The four-day event is co-organized by the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and the AIPPI. Discussions will center around four key draft resolutions on patents, trademarks, copyrights, and rights enforcement.
The annual international gathering on intellectual property protection is being held in China for the first time in the organization's 127-year history, reflecting the international community's recognition of China's achievements in the development of intellectual property in recent years.
Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday sent a congratulatory letter to the 2024 AIPPI World Congress, emphasizing China's strong commitment to intellectual property rights protection. Xi stated that China is willing to collaborate with all parties to further strengthen cooperation, offering Chinese insights and solutions to foster an international environment conducive to innovation and development.
"It's very encouraging, the remarks we heard today in the speeches. It's the first time this event is in China [and] it gives China the opportunity to educate the world on how China is improving its IP environment and to integrate more into the international community," said Ahmed G. Abou Ali, president of the Egyptian Association for the Protection of IP.
This year's event brings together more than 2,000 IP leaders and experts from 92 countries and regions, emphasizing professionalism and diversity with over 30 seminars and forums. There will be in-depth discussions on IP protection in key sectors such as pharmaceuticals and e-commerce.
A major highlight is the dedicated China session, showcasing the nation's latest developments and historic achievements in IP examination and protection, sharing China's insights with the world.
"China is now the leader in filing of many IP rights, patents, design rights. What led us here is impressive, I think the level will be held. I think China will continue to play a leading role in global IP rights," said Dipl.-Ing. Stephan Freischem, secretary general of the German Association for GRUR.
This year's AIPPI World Congress will also foster exchange and cooperation between the Chinese and international intellectual property communities, marking a new starting point for China's further participation in global intellectual property governance.
2024 AIPPI World Congress opens in Hangzhou
2024 AIPPI World Congress opens in Hangzhou
Visiting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said Saturday China is willing to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and advance the China-Lesotho strategic partnership.
Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when meeting with Lesotho Prime Minister Sam Matekane in the capital of Lesotho.
During the meeting, Wang congratulated Lesotho on the 60th anniversary of its independence this year, and spoke highly of Lesotho government's efforts to prioritize economic development and steer the African country onto a path of sustainable growth. Since the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) in 2024, the two sides have advanced cooperation under the 10 partnership action plans unveiled at the summit, successfully implementing a number of key projects to effectively promote Lesotho's development and revitalization, Wang said.
China stands ready to work with Lesotho to strengthen exchanges on governance experience, enhance coordination in multilateral affairs, and push for greater development of the China-Lesotho strategic partnership, he added.
Calling on the two sides to firmly support each other, Wang said that China will accelerate the implementation of its zero-tariff policy for African countries, including Lesotho, expand bilateral trade, investment and industrial cooperation, facilitate broader access of Lesotho's specialty products to the Chinese market, and continue to support Lesotho's national development.
China will continue to stand firmly with African countries, uphold justice for the Global South, including Lesotho, oppose unilateralism and acts of bullying, and work together to build a community with a shared future for humanity, Wang said.
On his part, Matekane said during the meeting that Lesotho cherishes its friendship with China and the strategic partnership between the two countries, and expressed gratitude for China's valuable support for the development of African countries, including Lesotho.
Lesotho firmly adheres to the one-China principle and resolutely supports China in safeguarding its core interests, he said, noting that his country stands ready to strengthen strategic mutual trust with China, expand people-to-people exchanges, jointly implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, and deepen cooperation in areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing and energy.
Matekane stressed that China's zero-tariff policy for African products will inject new impetus into Lesotho's development. He also expressed Lesotho's willingness to strengthen solidarity and cooperation with China on multilateral platforms such as BRICS to jointly address global challenges.
On the same day, Wang also held talks with Lejone Mpotjoana, minister of foreign affairs and international relations of Lesotho.
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
China, Lesotho to strengthen exchanges, advance cooperation
