Trade minister Mark Vaile today welcomed the agreement reached by Ministers in Doha to adopt a separate declaration on the issue of intellectual property and public health.

"Australia welcomes the declaration on the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS Agreement) and public health.  The declaration reinforces the flexibilities in the TRIPS Agreement, such as parallel importation and compulsory licensing, both of which are vital tools to help developing countries gain access to affordable medicines.  It confirms that TRIPS is part of the solution, not the problem," said Mr Vaile.

"Australia recognises the importance of Ministers addressing this fundamental issue. Our constructive role throughout the negotiations helped bring key players toward a common ground that sealed the successful compromise outcome."

"Ministers' agreement to adopt the separate declaration shows that the WTO is able to respond to the genuine concerns of developing countries on public health issues, and to contribute to wider national and international action to address this crucial social issue," Mr Vaile said.

"It also reinforces the legitimacy of the WTO and provides further evidence of its ability to take account of valid global civil society concerns."

"Australia will continue to work closely with developing countries in the WTO to ensure that their interests are appropriately addressed," said Mr Vaile.