China, Belt and Road countries exchange on IP issues at high-level conference

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Third Belt and Road High-Level Conference on Intellectual Property was held in Beijing from Sept. 11 to 13, with China and the countries participating in the construction of the New Silk Road under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) holding in-depth exchanges.   Participants, including Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang and Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), attended the event and addressed the opening ceremony on Wednesday.

Intelectual property is a crucial topic for BRI-involved countries, as companies contracted to projects under the initiative require assurances that their innovations are protected. At the same time, the initiative often involves the sharing of technologies between countries, and agreements must be reached to strike a balance. According to Tang, participating countries are increasingly aware of the importance of the issue.   "This year's conference is the most well-attended with over 70 countries attending. And really, we hear so many good ideas being exchanged, so I think that this is really [a] very important part of contributing to a global dialogue on intellectual property," said Tang, speaking on the sidelines of the event.   Over the past years, China actively promoted exchanges and cooperation with countries participating in Belt and Road development in areas such as intellectual property policy communication, personnel training, and intellectual property protection and application. China has sent more than 30 experts to support the intellectual property capacity building of countries participating in the BRI.   "For us, the most important parts of the intellectual property to cooperate with China is the enforcement of the intellectual property rights, then the educational part, spreading the awareness of the importance of the intellectual property among entrepreneurs, academics, students, pupils and so on," said Vladimir Maric, director of the Intellectual Property Office of Serbia.

Data shows that the number of Chinese companies with invention patents for core industries in the digital economy in Belt and Road countries has increased from 206 in 2013 to 758 in 2023, and the cumulative number of such companies has reached 4,441 since 2013.   From 2016 to 2023, the number of Chinese companies that have applied for green and low-carbon invention patents in participating countries of the BRI reached 1,314.   "The cooperation between the Chinese and UAE government has been over 40 years and this has come with the signing of an MoU between us and the Chinese government in fostering IP and innovation. Of course, as the sharing of information and renewable energy infrastructure, which is strengthening the agreement on IP protection, this cooperation accelerates the exchange of technology, expertise, helping partner countries, of course, as well as leveling the technology transfer," said Abdul Rahman Al-moaini, assistant undersecretary for the intellectual property sector under the Ministry of Economy of the United Arab Emirates.  

China, Belt and Road countries exchange on IP issues at high-level conference

Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.

Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.

More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.

Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.

"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.

During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.

"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.

In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.

With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.

"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.

Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition