WIPO Director General Daren Tang visits Morocco
October 7, 2023
WIPO Director General Daren Tang paid a three-day visit to Morocco, from October 4 to 6, 2023, where he met with top government, business and academic representatives, launched a new project to support Moroccan artisans and signed partnership agreements for a new master’s degree program in intellectual property (IP) and innovation and for a training program for diplomats.
In a meeting with Mr. Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, the DG focused on how to use new technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve processing IP, and how this would enable more people as well as businesses and SMEs to tap into the benefits of IP. The opportunities presented by IP backed financing and the importance of developing expertise in IP valuation were also raised.
The Director General and Mr. Mohamed Khalfaoui, General Secretary of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation, spoke about the importance of universities as centers of innovation, and discussed how to increase IP knowledge and skills among innovators and researchers. They also discussed specific initiatives to harness IP to bridge the gap between research and the market.
During a meeting with Mr. Nasser Bourita, Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, the Director General signed an agreement on intellectual property training for diplomats. He also expressed WIPO’s appreciation for Morocco’s support for WIPO noting the 10th year anniversary of the Marrakesh Treaty.
In a meeting with Mrs. Sarah Lamrani, General Secretary, Ministry of Digital Transition and Administration Reform, the Director General praised Morocco’s digital agenda, and noted that the country has all the right ingredients in place to become a hub for startups.
The Director General and Mr. Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, Minister of Youth, Culture and Communication, spoke about the importance of protecting cultural heritage, and the various initiatives being undertaken by the Ministry such as the recent launch of ‘Moroccan Heritage’ Label. The Director General and the Minister noted the need to enhance IP knowledge of creators and young people including through participation in WIPO Academy programs.
During a meeting with Mr. Mehdi Tazi, General Vice-President of the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), discussions focused on IP as a catalyst for economic growth, and as a vehicle to support startups and SMEs to create value, and to take advantage of digitalization.
Visit to Casablanca Technopark
Mr. Tang visited the Casablanca Technopark, where he met Lamiae Benmakhlouf, General Manager of the Moroccan Information Technopark Company, who spoke about the role of technology parks in Morocco’s entrepreneurial journey. The Director General also had an opportunity to engage with startups present at the park, and to find out more about their work.
New Project for Thuya crafts producers
During his visit, the Director General also launched a project to support the producers of Thuya crafts in the Essaouira region.
The artisanal tradition of crafting Thuya products from prized Atlas wood has been celebrated for generations and is globally renowned for its decorative applications. This sector stands as a cornerstone of the regional economy offering numerous local employment opportunities and protecting cultural heritage.
The new initiative aims to empower over 40 artisans through the use of intellectual property as a tool to bring value their Thuya products, growing their businesses and expanding sales to overseas markets. The project will also support artisans cultivate associative practices with to a collective brand identity under the banner of 'Thuya Essaouira'.
New partnership agreement for a master’s degree program in IP and innovation
During the visit, Mr. Tang also signed a partnership agreement for the establishment of a Joint Master's Degree Program on IP and Innovation with Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) and the Moroccan Industrial and Commercial Property Office (OMPIC). This is the third joint master's degree in Africa, and the first to be delivered in Arabic, French and English, to maximize inclusivity and reach.