The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), a specialised agency of the United Nation, has pledged to support efforts by the Omani government to preserve and safeguard elements of the country’s diverse natural and cultural heritage, while also helping authorities unlock value creation and innovation opportunities from this wealth.
The pledges came during meetings by WIPO Director General Darren Tang with key government officials yesterday. Tang met with Dr Saleh bin Saeed Masan, Under-Secretary for Commerce and Industry at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Further meetings are also scheduled with officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Heritage and Tourism and Heritage, the Office ov Oman Vision 2040, and the Youth Centre.
During the meeting with Dr Masan, the two sides explored ways of strengthening cooperation in Intellectual Property (IP) project. Oman has benefited immensely from the Geographical Indications system of WIPO, which a number of Omani products enjoying safeguards under this system. The two sides also discussed the importance of adopting a National Plan for Intellectual Property.
Tang also voiced support for Omani institutions and initiatives that are advancing innovation and intellectual property goals as part of Oman’s Vision 2040 strategy.
Earlier, speaking to Oman News Agency (ONA), the WIPO Director General praised Oman’s 2040 Vision which seeks to, among other objectives, crystallise the aspirations of the Omani youth, who constitute around 60 per cent of the population. “.
“Omani youth have become entrepreneurs, researchers and innovators, and they need to benefit from intellectual property rights protection. With such protection, their creative innovations and products can nbe marketed internationally,” he said.
Also as part of the visit, Tang and his delegation will study new developments in the IP space that can benefit from the world body’s protections. Some elements of Oman’s diverse natural and cultural heritage are already covered by WIPO safeguards, helping local businesses commercial products for the benefit of the wider economy, the official said.
Besides Omani frankincense, there are efforts underway to bring some elements of Omani culinary traditions under WIPO’s IP protections, he said, noting that around 10 entrepreneurs from Omani frankincense producers will also be trained by WIPO in enhancing the commercial value of their frankincense products. The training support will cover packaging, marketing, quality control and distribution to international markets, he said.
Discussions are also ongoing to support the introduction of Masters’ programme in IP protection at Sultan Qaboos University, he added.
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