] In conclusion, it is important that developed countries
] and WIPO acknowledge that IP protection is an important
] policy instrument for developing countries, one that
] needs to be used carefully. While the claimed benefits of
] strong IP protection for developing countries are a
] matter of debate - and nearly always in the distant
] future - such protection invariably entails substatial
] real an immediate costs for these countries. In
] formulating its IP policy, therefore, each country needs
] to have sufficient flexibility so that the cost of IP
] protection does not outweigh the benefits. It is clearly
] in the interest of developing countries that WIPO
] recognizes this and formulates its work program
] accordingly - including its 'technical assistance' - and
] not limit its activities, as it currently does, to the
] blind promotion of increasingly higher levels of IP
] protection. This is where WIPO, as a specialized UN
] agency, can make a major impact - by truly incorporating
] the development dimension into its mission - in letter
] and in spirit, so that it is appropriately reflected in
] all its instruments. Certainly it will result in a
] revitalisation of WIPO as an organisation sensitive to
] integrating the development concerns of developing
] countries into all areas of its work.

[ Very cogent words from India... I hope everyone's listening... -k]

[A2k] India's Statement at WIPO