Exemption of less developed countries from the obligations of the WTO Intellectual Property Rights Agreement

July 1, 2021

The Permanent Mission of the Embassy of the IR of Afghanistan to the (WTO) in Geneva, Switzerland, states, the WTO requests the agreement of less developed countries, including Afghanistan, to extend the obligations under the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights approved by the year 2034.

Embassy officials say, as a result of the efforts and effective follow-up of the WTO member group in the meetings and discussions of the council on trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights, the WTO exempts less-developed countries from fulfilling their obligations under the WTO Agreement, extended the commitments until the year 2034.

This achievement will provide a better environment for these countries to take advantage of this opportunity to address their economic and financial problems and to provide the necessary needs and necessities for the establishment of an appropriate technological base for the proper implementation of the obligations of this agreement.

Moreover, this decision provides a favorable environment for foreign investors to invest and enjoy this advantage with more confidence and for a longer period of time without the need to comply with the rules and regulations restricting intellectual property rights in various fields in the mentioned countries.

It is noteworthy that, the previous exemption from the implementation of these obligations was previously extended until the end of June 2021, which has now expired.