Today’s event, therefore gives us an opportunity to celebrate the realization of the noble objections of the Eurasian Patent Convention. We note with satisfaction that fully-fledged Industrial Property offices have been established in all Member States with most of them taking their rightful role as members in international conventions and treaties on IP. The Interstate System for the protection of Industrial Property as instituted, has also matured as evidenced by the increased number of applications filed through the Eurasian Patent Office. The levels of collaborative activities among member states have also increased correspondingly. These factors will no doubt go a long way in ensuring an infective Industrial Property Protection System, which should lead to a sustained economic growth among its Member States. It is indeed also a prerequisite for cementing, economic, scientific, technological and ecological relations that have been in existence among these States for decades.

The African Regional Intellectual Organization (ARIPO) is indeed pleased to be associated with this event. The bond between ARIPO and EAPO is founded on their common objectives, which guarantee, through a single filing, the protection of Industrial Property Rights and provision of Industrial Property related services on a multiple-country basis. It is also manifested through a Memorandum of Understanding concluded between ARIPO and EAPO in the year 2000.

To mark this memorable occasion, I have the pleasure on behalf of the Organization to present to the Eurasian Patent Office a Silver Tray with an inscription of an ARIPO Emblem.