********************************************************
Following is a speech by the Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Gregory So, at the opening ceremony of the 2010 International Law Enforcement Intellectual Property (IP) Crime Conference this morning (October 19):
President Khoo (Boon Hui), Commissioner Yuen, Mr (Charlie) Abounader, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good morning. On behalf of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and with great pleasure, I would like to extend to you all a very warm welcome to Hong Kong and to this conference.
Hong Kong is honoured to co-host the 2010 International Law Enforcement Conference with INTERPOL. This, the first INTERPOL conference in Asia, has special meaning for us. It signifies your confidence in Hong Kong being a good host as well as your recognition of our work in protecting intellectual property rights.
As we all observe, creativity and innovation are the key competencies for economic development, especially for the more advanced economies. When it comes to nurturing such key competencies, an effective and robust system for protecting intellectual property rights is indispensible. The Hong Kong Government is firmly committed to upholding an effective intellectual property protection system in the interest of creating a favourable business environment and encouraging innovation. Our legal framework fully complies with the requirements of the World Trade Organisation's Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights. This is backed by rigorous law enforcement against IP crimes by Hong Kong Customs. At the same time, we maintain close co-operation with rights holders and other administrations on IP protection, and we never lose sight of the need to conduct effective public education.
Hong Kong is one of the most dynamic cities with vibrant activities in trade, finance, business, tourism and communications. Rule of law and respect for individual property rights have been some of the key elements in supporting and maintaining the city's vibrancy. This year, Hong Kong was ranked first again in the Index of Economic Freedom by the Heritage Foundation. The IMD (International Institute for Management Development) also ranked us as the second most competitive economy in the world. Rather than being complacent, we have renewed our resolve to create a business-friendly environment for the betterment of the community as well as the regional economy.
The global economy has undergone substantial turbulence during the recent financial crisis. I am glad to note that the Hong Kong economy has been rebounding well. The fact that we have moved towards a knowledge-based economy means all the more that we need to further focus our efforts on innovation and technology and to enhance their protection.
We note with concern the growing involvement of organised crime using sophisticated technology in counterfeiting and pirating activities globally. Such organised counterfeiting and pirating activities are damaging to the economy and call for transnational co-operation for effective management.
Co-operation among jurisdictions and timely intelligence exchange are pivotal to the fight against transnational organised IP crime. To stay ahead of such a challenge, we need to help each other prevent IP criminals from arbitraging between regions. More precisely, we need cross-sector co-operation among law enforcement agencies, IP crime affected industries, rights holders and relevant stakeholders to share efforts, intelligence and resources to counter transnational organised IP crimes effectively.
I know INTERPOL has been focusing on combating IP crime since 2002 and invested a significant amount of resources in this worthy cause. To have an upper hand in this battle, INTERPOL has been working closely with its member countries, the IP industries and other stakeholders. I have confidence that with our concerted efforts, we will prevail.
May I take this opportunity to express my warm congratulations and sincere thanks to INTERPOL for bringing this meaningful event to Hong Kong and to thank the organising committee for its good work. I hope you will find participating in the conference a rewarding experience. Our concerted efforts will help devise cutting-edge strategies and tactics to defeat transnational organised IP crime effectively.
Ladies and gentlemen, before finishing here, I wish you a fruitful conference and a very enjoyable stay in Hong Kong.
Thank you very much.
Ends/Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:20
NNNN