Qatar Participates in WIPO Ministerial Policy Dialogue in Geneva

Qatar has participated in the ministerial policy dialogue of the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) in Geneva, Switzerland, which saw the participation of ministers of trade and economy, leaders of international organisations, and global experts.

HE Dr Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Sayed, Minister of State for Foreign Trade Affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, represented Qatar in the meeting, where he shared perspectives on innovation amid global shifts, underscoring the need for stronger international co-operation to build a resilient knowledge-based economy.

Stressing on the importance of reinforcing co-operation with international partners to develop an effective intellectual property (IP) framework; he referred to the advanced strategic partnership between Qatar and WIPO, which yielded significant achievements, most notably the signing of a memorandum of understanding in June 2023 to enable small and medium enterprises to integrate intellectual property into their business strategies.

Highlighting Qatar’s accession to the Madrid Protocol for the international registration of trademarks in May 2024, which came into effect on August 3, 2024; al-Sayed said this step has streamlined procedures for international investors and contributed to a more favourable investment climate in Qatar.

IP protection is a key enabler of innovation and economic development, he said, reiterating Qatar’s commitment to establishing an integrated system that safeguards intellectual property rights.

On the sidelines of the dialogue, al-Sayed met with Daren Tang, Director General of WIPO, where they discussed issues of mutual interest, including Qatar’s upcoming hosting of a high-level conference in cooperation with WIPO, entitled “The Role of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanisms and the Protection of Intellectual Property and Innovation in Attracting Foreign Direct Investment.

The minister outlined Qatar’s efforts to enhance its innovation ecosystem and improve the business environment and in this regard, he pointed to the ministry’s launch, in January 2025, of ambitious strategies designed to align with national development priorities – focusing on increasing productivity and competitiveness in key sectors, while fostering robust public-private partnerships.