WIPO ADG Marco Aleman Supports Chinese SMEs at CISMEF and SMEICS

June 29, 2023

Guangzhou, China - June 26-28, 2023: Mr. Marco Aleman, the Assistant Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), participated in a series of events during the 18th China International SME Fair (CISMEF) and the 2nd SME International Cooperation Summit (SMEICS) held in Guangzhou, China. This visit highlights WIPO's ongoing commitment to supporting China in fostering the innovative development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through intellectual property (IP).

Distinguished officials including Ms. Xu Xiaolan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT); Mr. Pu Chun, Vice Minister of the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR); Mr. Sun Zhiyang, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province; and Mr. Shao Ning, Chairman of the China International Cooperation Association of SMEs (CICASEMS), along with senior officials from foreign ministries and international organizations, attended the events and delivered speeches.

On June 26, during the APEC Forum on Promoting Specialized and Innovative Development of SMEs, Aleman delivered an opening speech. He emphasized the role of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) as a driving force for global innovation and growth, with seven APEC member economies among the top 15 in the Global Innovation Index (GII). He shared success stories of innovative SMEs in the Asia-Pacific region that have utilized IP to protect their ideas and enhance their market competitiveness. Aleman also introduced the various services, resources, and tools developed by WIPO to support SMEs in addressing challenges, including intermediary project initiatives, IP management clinics, the Inventor Assistance Program, Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs), IP Diagnostics, the Guide on IP for Startups, and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms (ADR).

On June 27, Aleman delivered a keynote speech at the main forum of the 2nd SME International Cooperation Summit. He highlighted the crucial role played by innovative SMEs in sustainable development, technological advancements, green solutions, and new business opportunities. Aleman acknowledged China's specific action plans and measures to support SMEs in the field of IP and innovation, which have contributed to China's achievements in the GII ranking and its status as home to 21 top science and technology clusters.

During a bilateral meeting with Vice Minister Xu Xiaolan of MIIT, Aleman emphasized the importance of SMEs in economic development and commended China's policies aimed at supporting their growth. He briefed Vice Minister Xu Xiaolan on WIPO's efforts to assist SMEs in utilizing IP for innovative development, with a focus on IP financing. Aleman expressed his commitment to further collaboration and the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between WIPO and MIIT.

In a separate meeting with Vice Governor Sun Zhiyang of Guangdong Province, Aleman congratulated the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area on its achievements in innovation and IP. He shared information about WIPO's participation in IP-related activities within the Greater Bay Area and discussed joint efforts to promote WIPO's global IP registration systems. The aim is to enable more SMEs to access and benefit from the resources, services, and tools provided by WIPO, while encouraging greater participation in the WIPO Global Awards.

During discussions with Chairman Shao Ning of CICASEMS, Aleman introduced WIPO's service systems and expressed the organization's commitment to strengthening collaboration. The focus is on providing targeted IP services to China's specialized and innovative SMEs, thereby facilitating their international development.

Aleman also had in-depth discussions with representatives from the Guangdong Administration for Market Regulation (GAMR) on IP protection and SME development. He emphasized the importance of IP protection for SMEs' innovation and development and reiterated WIPO's unwavering support for Chinese SMEs.

Accompanied by Ms. Lin Shuying, Chief Engineer of GAMR, Aleman visited the 18th China International SME Fair. He paid particular attention to the booths of technology companies, such as XPENG AEROHT and FLEXIV, which showcased innovations in intelligent vehicles and automatic robots, respectively. Aleman was deeply impressed by China's advancements in these new technologies. He recognized the vibrant vitality and innovation of Chinese SMEs, and expressed WIPO's commitment to better understanding and promoting the stories of Chinese SMEs' IP-driven development. WIPO will leverage its global service systems to provide targeted assistance and services to Chinese SMEs.

About the China International SME Fair (CISMEF) and the SME International Cooperation Summit (SMEICS)

Since 2004, the China International SME Fair has been successfully held for 18 sessions, making positive contributions to helping SMEs expand their markets, promoting international exchange and the healthy development of SMEs. With the theme of “Strengthen Cooperation, Enlarge Exchange, Mutual Benefits, Joint Development”, the 18th CISMEF attracted about 1,900 exhibitors from home and abroad, covering innovative achievements and technical products in various fields including artificial intelligence, intelligent manufacturing, new energy, new materials, etc.

In September 2021, the first SMEICS was held in conjunction with the 17th CISMEF, successfully creating a new platform for promoting international cooperation in the field of SME development. With the theme “innovation Drives Development, Cooperation Empowers Future”, the 2nd SMElCS attracted more than 1,000 delegates from home and abroad.