Afridi Appreciates Women Participation in Economic growth

Lahore: The Chairman Intellectual Property Organization (IPO-Pakistan) Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi (MNA) has said that development of database for enlisting SMEs of different business sectors and geographical areas including women entrepreneurs are one of the priorities of IPO-Pakistan and numerous steps were being adopted to initiate joint venture with different organizations for promotion and protection of IP Rights in the country.

He stated this while addressing in the concluding ceremony of One day workshop on developing linkage between Brandings, Trademarks and understanding utility of Industrial Designs for Women Entrepreneurs. The workshop was attended by Director General IPO Mr. Sajjad Ahmad, Executive Director Umardad Afridi, Director Law IPO Dr. Khurram, Incharge IPO Regional Office, Lahore Ms Saira Imdad, Muhammad Ismail, representatives of Women Entrepreneurs, IP attorneys, SME stakeholders and women business associations.

Hameed Ullah Jan Afridi said that its endeavor of IPO to establish close linkages with trade and commerce organizations and in order to provide relevant information about registration of IP Rights, Facilitation Desks had been established in various organizations including Chamber of Commerce & Industry and Small and Medium Development Authority. He lauded the role of business community for generating economic activities and assured that according to the international obligations, Pakistan is committed to provide congenial atmosphere for protection of registered brands and with regard to improve working capabilities of law enforcing agencies, capacity building programs were being implemented with the cooperation of World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and other international organizations.

Chairman IPO appreciated women participation in economic growth and said that it has been decided to conferred IPO Women Enterprise and SMEs Innovation Awards on the eve of World IP day with the objective to encourage brand protection initiatives and innovations. He said that public awareness activities and training facilities regarding IP protection were being extended at gross root level with the cooperation of Provincial Governments and Corporate sector. He also mentioned major achievements of IPO Pakistan in recent past years including passage of IPO Act 2012 by the parliament and constitution of IP Policy Board for effective IP management in the country.
Earlier, the Director General IPO-Pakistan Mr. Sajjad Ahmad in welcome address said that special emphasis has been laid on conducting studies and preparation of IP strategies for different SME sectors including Women Entrepreneurs, similarly joint committees of SMEDA, IPO-Pakistan, Provincial Government Departments and Business Chambers had also been constituted for effective coordination implementing training programs.

The key speakers of workshops Justice (R) Nasra Iqbal, Director General IPO-Pakistan Mr. Sajjad Ahmad, Barrister Faridah Hemani, Mr. Hassan Irfan Khan, Syed Nasurallah, Kashif Zorain, Ms. Zoya Aliem, Ms.Diloram, Mr. Riaz Ahmed Toor and Ms. Sheeren Masud representing corporate sector deliberated on various aspects relating to importance of trademark registration, Brand Development & promotion, impact of piracy. Interactive session about IP Rights and its benefits was also actively participated by the representatives of various organizations.

Chairperson Handicraft Development Association, Shereen Arshad, MNA, appreciated the role of women belonging to remote areas and highlighted their role for handicraft development.
Later, Mr. Hameed Ullah Jan awarded certificates to the participants of workshop.