This year saw the National Committee for Intellectual Property Rights (NCIPR) finalize a key draft IP policy 2023-28 for submission to the Council of Ministers, according to minister and NCIPR chairman Pan Sorasak.

He recently presided over a meeting that reviewed the committee’s accomplishments in 2022 and laid out a plan for the following year. He said the proposal was designed to turn Cambodia’s IP system into a driver of diverse growth.

“Our aim is to promote the economic, commercial, industrial, cultural, tourist and agricultural sectors,” said Sorasak. He explained that the policy entailed increasing Cambodian IP protection and enhancing the prestige of the country’s businesses and goods, and encouraging innovation.

In addition, the initiative intended to stimulate the use of IP for research progress and technical product creation and revitalize the creative industries. This will support the digital economy and society and promote Industry 4.0 to assist Cambodia realize its vision for the year 2050.

Sorasak also praised the NCIPR members and secretariat for their efforts, which led to significant successes. He said that the committee was crucial to the success of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), which was finalized and implemented last year.

The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Cambodia and the United Arab Emirates was signed last June 8 as a result of the minister’s negotiations, he added. He continued by stating that these agreements will work as a potent catalyst for new prospects in Asia and the Middle East, highlighting Cambodia’s peaceful growth in the digital age.

Sorasak urged the participants to offer suggestions for the draft, noting that it would serve as the foundation for enforcing IP rights, defending copyright owners and consumer interests against fake goods.

He stated: “This is about eradicating unfair business practices, fostering respect for intellectual property, increasing consumer confidence, promoting fair trade and luring investment.”

- Excel V. Dyquiangco