IV THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, APRIL 28, 2024 INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WEEK FEATURE | As we acknowledge Intellectual Property (IP) Week 2024, between April 21-28, 2024, I am pleased to join our agency, the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO), in highlighting the pivotal role of IP in our nation’s economic growth. On behalf of the Ministry of Industry, Investment, and Commerce (MIIC), Jamaica’s Business Ministry, I reaffirm our government’s commitment to promoting and protecting intellectual property rights, which are crucial for spurring innovation, creativity, and economic advancement, especially within our micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). By enhancing the competitiveness of our MSMEs through a robust intellectual property rights ecosystem, we empower these enterprises to own their intellectual assets and grow, and to actively engage in the global marketplace. This year’s theme, “IP and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Building our Common Future with Innovation and Creativity”, resonates deeply with our strategic priorities to foster rapid and sustained economic growth. We are committed to increasing exports to enhance our GDP, boosting local and foreign direct investments to lay a solid foundation for economic stability, improving the business environment by removing bureaucratic barriers, and empowering and protecting consumers to enhance their welfare. The MIIC focuses on SDG Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. By fostering a resilient and sustainable framework, we can meet today’s challenges and grasp tomorrow’s opportunities. Managing intellectual property strategically remains a crucial priority for the MIIC. We are committed to strengthening Jamaica’s IP system to support our dynamic innovators and creators, providing them with the tools and protection they need to thrive globally. During IP Week, JIPO organised a series of events enabling interactions with students, creators, innovators, and MSMEs, emphasizing the pivotal role of IP rights in safeguarding their creations. This endeavour proved vital in cultivating a climate where innovation is recognised and creativity thrives, thus cementing intellectual property as a linchpin of sustainable prosperity. Jamaica must become and be known as a leading innovator, and creator of very desired technologies for which buyers will pay, and we must become better and more efficient manufacturers of goods and ever improving crafters of ingenious services. Thank you to the JIPO staff and all stakeholders for nurturing an innovative and creative Jamaica. As we reflect on IP Week 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to harnessing intellectual property to produce many well-paying jobs and foster sustainable economic growth. SENATOR THE HON AUBYN HILL Minister of Industry Investment & Commerce Thanks JIPO for nurturing an innovative and creative Jamaica MESSAGES Thank you to the JIPO staff and all stakeholders for nurturing an innovative and creative Jamaica. As we reflect on IP Week 2024, let us reaffirm our commitment to harnessing intellectual property to produce many well-paying jobs and foster sustainable economic growth.
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