MEDIA RELEASE THE AUSTRALIAN DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER AND MINISTER FOR TRADE TIM FISCHER

27 February 1997

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON COOPERATION IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY SIGNED WITH THAILAND

Australia's Minister for Trade, Mr Tim Fischer, and Thailand's Minister for Commerce, Dr Narongchai Akrasanee, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOW) on Cooperation in Intellectual Property between the Government of Australia and the Government of the Kingdom of Thailand on 27 February 1997, at the conclusion of the inaugural Ministerial Commission meeting between the two countries.

The MOU formalises Australia's and Thailand's long history of working together on intellectual property matters. The MOU aims to facilitate mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation in this area.

Cooperation is envisaged to cover a broad range of intellectual property issues, such as exchange of information, support of activities between intellectual property administration staff, customs officials, police officials, attorneys, judges and representatives of the private sector of both countries.

The two countries will set up exchanges of personnel, technical missions, workshops and training programs, including the promotion of the development of human resources, and cooperation relating to the implementation of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).

The protection and enforcement of intellectual property rights is crucial in the development of trade and investment relationships and an important element for business in any foreign investment decision.

Australia considers that efforts to improve intellectual property protection for mutual benefit are best advanced through cooperation and assistance. For these reasons, Australia welcomes the signing of the MOU and Thailand's interest in establishing closer ties in this field.

For further information:

Ministerial - David Kelly (06)277 7420 or 018 691 178

DFAT Tony Melville/Kirk Conningham 06 261 1555

See also

AUSTRALIA THAILAND MINISTERIAL ECONOMIC COMMISSION (Attachment)