The American Chamber of Commerce in Bangladesh (AmCham) hosting a Dialogue on "Strengthening IPR Frameworks: Challenges and Way Forward" on Tuesday at the Westin Dhaka.
This event aims to follow up on recommendations submitted last year on enhancing Bangladesh’s intellectual property rights (IPR) regime and to discuss further actions needed to support the country’s position as an attractive global business hub.
A strengthened IPR framework is crucial for fostering sustainable economic growth and integration into the global economy.
The dialogue featured key stakeholders, including AmCham President Syed Ershad Ahmed, John Cabeca, IP Counselor for South Asia, and Ms. Shilpi Jha, Senior Commercial Specialist & IP Policy Advisor for South Asia. Additional participants include John Fay, Commercial Counselor at the US Embassy, Barrister Hamidul Mishbah, founder of the Bangladesh IP Forum, and representatives from various government ministries such as the Ministry of Industry, Ministry of Commerce, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also in attendance will be experts from the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (BIDA), National Board of Revenue (NBR), law enforcement agencies, and academic institutions.
This collaborative event brought together AmCham members with business interests in IPR, along with media representatives, to discuss the challenges and opportunities in strengthening the country’s IPR framework and identify key recommendations for future action.
The AmCham president Syed Ershad Ahmed in his remarks emphasized the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors in enhancing Bangladesh’s intellectual property rights (IPR) framework.
He highlighted recent advancements, such as updates to the Patent Law and ongoing efforts to reform the Industrial Design Rules, which are crucial steps toward aligning Bangladesh's IPR regime with international standards.
Ahmed pointed out that while significant progress has been made, particularly with support from the Ministry of Industries, challenges remain in areas like IPR compliance in procurement, enforcement coordination, and capacity building. He noted the role of international partners, including WIPO and USPTO, in strengthening local expertise and resources for better implementation of IPR protections.
The AmCham President also mentioned the need for continued dialogue and action on key issues, such as the fast-tracking of the Madrid Protocol and the introduction of specialized IP education programs. He called on all stakeholders to work together to address the gaps in enforcement and compliance, ensuring that Bangladesh can fully capitalize on its potential as a destination for foreign investment and innovation.
HU/MB
