WIPO Director General Visits El Salvador; Participates in Launch of National IP Strategy

WIPO Director General Daren Tang visited El Salvador on October 21 and 22, 2024, for meetings with top officials, including President Nayib Bukele, and other stakeholders, as well as taking part in the launch of the country’s National Intellectual Property Strategy.

In a meeting with President Bukele, Mr. Tang welcomed the country’s transformational journey, enabling innovation to flourish. He pledged WIPO’s support in strengthening the innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem, including through the implementation of the National Strategy.

The Director General noted the important role played by youth in spearheading entrepreneurship and driving investments. They discussed the need to ensure the successful implementation of the Strategy which would provide the necessary framework to position the country as a technology and innovation hub in the region.

Mr. Tang also met with Vice President Félix Ulloa and discussed WIPO’s cooperation agenda with the country which includes skills development programs and other projects.  He also noted the importance the Government attaches to innovation and the various public policies in place aimed at transforming El Salvador into an innovation and technology hub.

Roundtable discussion with Cabinet Ministers

Mr. Tang also participated in a roundtable discussion with the Presidential Secretaries for Commerce and Industry, and Innovation, the Ministers of Economy, Tourism, Education, and Culture, the Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Executive Director of the National Center of Registries and representatives of innovation-related institutions. It was an opportunity to discuss the broader framework that is being built to support innovation across the country and the role of the IP system.

Mr. Tang noted that El Salvador’s performance in innovation, creativity and technology is steadily improving despite being the smallest country in Central America.

The Minister of Tourism, Ms. Morena Valdez, highlighted the importance of IP as a tool for nation branding, including by showcasing its vibrant digital economy and new tourism initiatives such as Surf City. She underlined the importance of creating a country brand which resonates and attracts.

The Minister of Education, Mr. José Mauricio Pineda, noted the importance of IP education especially amongst school children and the need for more awareness campaigns.  

Mr. Tang shared experiences from other WIPO projects which have harnessed IP to increase revenues of entrepreneurs in the tourism sector. He reiterated the importance of supporting stakeholders at the grassroots level with concrete and impact-oriented projects that result in real benefits. He welcomed the portfolio of cooperation with El Salvador, which ranges from projects in gastronomy to IP financing.

The Director General reiterated WIPO's commitment to continue supporting El Salvador’s innovation journey. The two-day visit provided an opportunity for the Director General to discuss specific ways for WIPO to support El Salvador in using innovation to meet the challenges of the structural transformation path of the country.

The visit also provided an opportunity to engage with local stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges in using the IP system. Salvadorian designer Ms. Lula Mena shared how her business blends traditional artistry with a social objective by employing over 100 artisans and supporting their livelihoods.

A conversation with local entrepreneurs revealed a dynamic and thriving community of start-ups and e-commerce businesses who are leveraging new and innovative means to take their products to the world. The discussions included a presentation from fintech start up Nico, which has been using IP for its business growth.

Launch of the National IP Strategy

Mr. Tang and Ms. María Luisa Hayem, Minister of Economy, launched the National Strategy for the Promotion of Creativity, Innovation and Invention for Economic Development through Intellectual Property 2024 – 2029.

The Strategy was developed through intensive national consultations with public and private stakeholders. Mr. Tang praised the Government’s collective commitment, which will ensure that IP is transversal and included in the policies of different areas of the Government.  

The Minister of Economy outlined the Strategy’s four pillars: promotion, protection, commercialization and enforcement. Mr. Tang noted that the Strategy will serve as the framework for the implementation of action plans aimed at the delivery of impactful initiatives to allow for growth and social development.

Mr. Tang pledged WIPO’s support to transforming the Strategy’s vision into concrete actions.

According to the Secretary of Innovation, Mr. Daniel Méndez, the Strategy seeks to transform ideas into products and services that will lead to improved economic conditions and income.

There was widespread agreement that the new Strategy will contribute to creating a more dynamic and competitive environment in El Salvador and will give greater impetus to the vision of a new country.