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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Dear Colleagues,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>I am forwarding you a news report from
Third World Network and SUNS on the request made by Zambia to the TRIPS Council
to extend the delay for implementing the TRIPS Agreement in least developed
countries (LDCs) from 1<sup>st</sup> January 2006 until 2021 (an extra 15
years).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>The TRIPS Council will discuss this
proposal today, Friday 28 October 2005.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'>Best wishes,<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=2 color=navy face=Arial><span style='font-size:
10.0pt;font-family:Arial;color:navy'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
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<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 color=navy face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt;color:navy'> </span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
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<div>
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face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>
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<p class=MsoNormal><b><font size=2 face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;
font-family:Tahoma;font-weight:bold'>From:</span></font></b><font size=2
face=Tahoma><span style='font-size:10.0pt;font-family:Tahoma'> Third World
Network [mailto:twnet@po.jaring.my] <br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Sent:</span></b> 28 October 2005 09:03<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>To:</span></b> Third World Network-2<br>
<b><span style='font-weight:bold'>Subject:</span></b> TWN Info: LDCs ask to
extend TRIPS exemption</span></font><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><o:p> </o:p></span></font></p>
<div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>TWN Info Service on WTO and Trade Issues (Oct05/25)</span></font></b></strong><b><span
style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">28 October 2005</font></b></strong><br>
<st1:place w:st="on"><strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">Third World</font></b></strong></st1:place><strong><b><font
face="Times New Roman"> Network</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">www.twnside.org.sg</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>LDCs request exemption from TRIPS for another 15 years</span></font></b></strong><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">The least developed countries in the
WTO have made a request to the TRIPS</font></b></strong><b><span
style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">Council to extend the transitional
period for their implementing the TRIPS</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">Agreement for a further 15 years after
the present transition period expires</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">at the end of this year.</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>At present, LDC members are not required to apply the
agreement's</span></font></b></strong><b><span style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">provisions, except for three articles.</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>The exemption period, which is ten years, runs out on
31 December this year.</span></font></b></strong><b><span style='font-weight:
bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">However, Article 66 says that the TRIPS
Council "shall, upon duly motivated</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">request by a least-developed country
Member, accord extensions of this</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">period."</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>The formal request for extension was submitted by <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Zambia</st1:place></st1:country-region> on
behalf of the</span></font></b></strong><b><span style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">LDC members on 13 October and issued as
a communication by the WTO</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">Secretariat on 21 October (document
IP/C/W/457).</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Zambia, which coordinates the LDC Group, also
presented the proposal at an</span></font></b></strong><b><span
style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">informal meeting of the TRIPS Council
on 20 October. The request will be</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">discussed at the formal TRIPS Council
at its meeting starting Tuesday.</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Several non-LDC developing countries were supportive
of the request</span></font></b></strong><b><span style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">when it was discussed on 20 October.
However, major developed countries,</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">especially the <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>, seemed to
be against the extension of the transitional</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">period to LDC members as a whole,
advocating instead that requests be made</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">by individual LDCs, to be considered on
a "case-by-case" basis.</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>The issue will be discussed at the formal TRIPS
Council meeting on</span></font></b></strong><b><span style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">Friday 28 October.</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>Please see the full report of the LDC request
below. It was published in </span></font></b></strong><b><span
style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">the SUNS.</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>With best wishes</span></font></b></strong><b><span
style='font-weight:bold'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">Martin Khor</font></b></strong><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">TWN</font></b></strong></span></b><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>_______________________</span></font></b></strong><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><br>
<strong><b><font face="Times New Roman">LDCs request exemption from TRIPS for
another 15 years</font></b></strong><o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><strong><b><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span
style='font-size:12.0pt'>By Martin Khor, <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Geneva</st1:place></st1:City>,
25 Oct 2005</span></font></b></strong><o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'><br>
The least developed countries in the WTO have made a request to the<br>
TRIPS Council to extend the transitional period for their implementing<br>
the TRIPS Agreement for a further 15 years after the present transition<br>
period expires at the end of this year.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>At present, under Article 66 of the TRIPS Agreement, LDC members are
not<br>
required to apply the agreement's provisions, except for Article 3(on<br>
national treatment); Article 4 (on most favoured nation treatment); and<br>
Article 5 (on multilateral agreements on acquisition or maintenance of<br>
protection).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The exemption period, which is ten years, runs out on 31 December this
year.<br>
However, Article 66 says that the TRIPS Council "shall, upon duly
motivated<br>
request by a least-developed country Member, accord extensions of this<br>
period."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The formal request for extension was submitted by <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Zambia</st1:place></st1:country-region> on
behalf of the<br>
LDC members on 13 October and issued as a communication by the WTO<br>
Secretariat on 21 October (document IP/C/W/457).<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font
size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Zambia</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region>,
which coordinates the LDC Group, also presented the proposal at an<br>
informal meeting of the TRIPS Council on 20 October. The request will be<br>
discussed at the formal TRIPS Council at its meeting starting Tuesday.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>According to information obtained from trade diplomats, several non-LDC<br>
developing countries were supportive of the request when it was discussed on<br>
20 October. However, major developed countries, especially the <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>, seemed to<br>
be against the extension of the transitional period to LDC members as a<br>
whole, advocating instead that requests be made by individual LDCs, to be<br>
considered on a "case-by-case" basis.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>There is expected to be a continuation of this debate (whether an
extension<br>
should be given to the LDCs as a whole, or whether it should be considered<br>
on an individual basis) when the issue is discussed at the formal TRIPS<br>
Council.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Experts point out that there is a precedent for granting exemption (for
a<br>
period) from applying the TRIPS Agreement to the LDCs as a whole.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>In the Doha Declaration on TRIPS and Public Health, adopted by
Ministers in<br>
November 2001, an extension of the transition period until 2016 for<br>
pharmaceutical products was granted to LDCs as a group of members, under<br>
paragraph 7 of the Declaration.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Subsequently, the TRIPS Council adopted a decision on 27 June 2002
granting<br>
exemption to all LDC members from applying certain parts of the TRIPS<br>
Agreement (in relation to pharmaceuticals) until 2016.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Further, the exemption was granted under Article 66.1, the same
provision<br>
which gives the LDCs their present exemption from applying the TRIPS<br>
Agreement as a whole, and which the LDCs are now invoking in their request<br>
for a 15-year extension of this exemption.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>In its communication to the WTO, the LDC Group said that the
least-developed<br>
country WTO Members continue to face serious economic, financial and<br>
administrative constraints as well as a need for flexibility to create a<br>
viable technological base.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>In accordance with Article 66.1 of the TRIPS Agreement, they are
applying<br>
for an extension of the transitional period accorded under that provision<br>
for a further 15 years.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The paper said that Article 66.1 of the TRIPS Agreement accords LDC
Members<br>
a ten-year exemption from certain obligations under the TRIPS Agreement.<br>
This exemption expires on 31 December 2005.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>"As set out in Article 66.1 of the TRIPS Agreement, the exemption
was<br>
granted in recognition of the economic, financial, and administrative<br>
constraints faced by least-developed countries that prevented them from<br>
observing immediately all the obligations set out in the TRIPS Agreement;<br>
and it reflected the fact that the least-developed country Members have<br>
special needs and requirements, including the need for flexibility to create<br>
a viable technological base," said the LDCs' paper.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>"During the past ten years, the least-developed countries have
taken steps<br>
towards implementing the obligations set out in the TRIPS Agreement.<br>
However, their economies continue to be vulnerable, and their peoples<br>
continue to suffer poverty.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>"Indeed, the most recent UNCTAD Least-Developed Country Report
states that<br>
'if past trends persist, the least-developed countries are likely to become<br>
the major locus of extreme poverty in the world economy by 2015'".<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>"Consequently, those least-developed countries that remain on the
United<br>
Nations' list of least-developed countries, continue to face serious<br>
economic, financial and administrative constraints in their efforts to bring<br>
their domestic legal system into conformity with the provisions of the TRIPS<br>
Agreement."<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The LDCs' paper added that Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement states
that<br>
"developed country Members shall provide incentives to enterprises and<br>
institutions in their territories for the purpose of promoting and<br>
encouraging technology transfer to least-developed country Members in order<br>
for them to create a sound and viable technological base".<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>This commitment by developed countries has been reaffirmed in paragraph
11.2<br>
of the <st1:City w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Doha</st1:place></st1:City>
Ministerial Decision on Implementation-Related Issues and<br>
Concerns that emphasized its importance and mandatory nature.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The LDCs said they need an extension of the transition period to enable
them<br>
to take full advantage of the technical cooperation from developed countries<br>
in this area.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>While there has been some movement in implementing this commitment with
some<br>
developed countries notifying to the Council for TRIPS the technology<br>
transfers that they have been involved in, the commitment has not yet been<br>
adequately fulfilled.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Furthermore, Article 67 of the TRIPS Agreement calls upon developed<br>
countries to provide technical assistance to LDCs to assist them in<br>
implementing the TRIPS Agreement. "Thus the least-developed country
Members<br>
need more time to take full advantage of the cooperation with developed<br>
country Members envisaged in Articles 66.2 and 67 of the TRIPS Agreement,"<br>
said the paper.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>Introducing the LDCs' proposal at the informal TRIPS Council meeting on
20<br>
October, <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Zambia</st1:place></st1:country-region>
said that the LDCs' request had been necessitated by the<br>
following reasons:<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>* The special needs and requirements of LDCs over the past ten years
have<br>
changed very little to enable them to comply with their obligations under<br>
the TRIPS Agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>* Despite the efforts that have been undertaken by most LDCs to comply
with<br>
the TRIPS Agreement, they are faced with critical human resource and<br>
administrative constraints in the area of intellectual property rights, both<br>
in terms of numbers and technical capabilities.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>* Most LDCs have an inadequate technological base that would support an<br>
effective system of IPR protection and have barely developed institutional<br>
linkages that would support implementation of obligations under the TRIPS<br>
Agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>* LDCs have competing needs against grave financial inadequacies and in
the<br>
past ten years of the transition period have been unable to undertake the<br>
required assessments and other institutional capacity-building measures that<br>
would enable effective implementation of the obligations of the Agreement.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>* The underdeveloped domestic legal systems in LDCs are not able to
deal<br>
effectively with enforcement of intellectual property protection.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font
size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Zambia</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region>
said that on the basis of the above, the LDCs request for the<br>
additional time to undertake assessments, identify the gaps in national<br>
legislation and build implementation capacities.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>"It is our hope that during this transitional period of 15 years
there will<br>
be commitment by the developed country members as envisaged under Article 67<br>
of the TRIPS Agreement in providing technical and financial assistance to<br>
LDCs to assist in the implementation of the TRIPS Agreement," said <st1:country-region
w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Zambia</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>According to trade diplomats, at the 20 October meeting, many other
LDCs<br>
spoke to supplement the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Zambia</st1:place></st1:country-region>
presentation. Several other developing<br>
countries, including <st1:country-region w:st="on">Brazil</st1:country-region>,
<st1:country-region w:st="on">Argentina</st1:country-region>, <st1:country-region
w:st="on">Kenya</st1:country-region> and <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place
w:st="on">India</st1:place></st1:country-region> voiced their support<br>
of the request, stating that the LDCs should continue to have the<br>
flexibility of exemption and that they should have the opportunity to make<br>
use of it.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on"><font
size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:12.0pt'>Kenya</span></font></st1:place></st1:country-region>
added that the flexibility given to LDCs in the WTO is often taken<br>
away by other bodies such as the IMF and World Bank, through their loan<br>
policies. There needs to be coherence so that these other bodies do not<br>
encroach and take away the TRIPS flexibilities.<o:p></o:p></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>However, the major developed countries indicated that they would not
support<br>
a request made on behalf of all the LDC members, according to trade<br>
diplomats. They apparently want requests made by individual LDC members,<br>
which would then be examined on a case-by- case basis.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">US</st1:place></st1:country-region>
advocated such a case-by-case approach, saying that there is need to<br>
know the situation on the ground in each country, and that more information<br>
is needed. The EU also said that more information from the countries is<br>
required.<o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'> <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
<div>
<p class=MsoNormal><font size=3 face="Times New Roman"><span style='font-size:
12.0pt'>The LDC members' request is expected to be brought up at the TRIPS
Council<br>
on Wednesday. <o:p></o:p></span></font></p>
</div>
</div>
</div>
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