Opening remarks by Mr. Francis Gurry, Director-General, WIPO on the occasion of the ‘Make in India’ event on October 6, 2015 at 18h00

Hon’ble Ministers, Excellences, His Excellency Mr. Ajit Kumar, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of India, Geneva, colleagues, ladies and gentlemen.

I am absolutely delighted to welcome you all to this wonderful event ‘Make in India’ organized by the Government of India. ‘Make in India’ is a path breaking initiative taken by Prime MinisterModi soon after his assumption of office last year. The ‘Make in India’ initiative strives to develop India as a leading manufacturing hub in the world. It is hearting to note that the ‘Make in India’ initiative has amongst others, a special focus on creating a conducive environment for the protection of intellectual property rights of innovators and creators. Establishing a vibrant IP regime in the country, adopting best policies and having highest levels of transparency and user friendliness are key elements of this initiative.

I am also very pleased that the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) has organized a very impressive exhibition of some key Geographical Indications from India, ranging from the famous Darjeeling tea to the Makrana Marble used in the TajMahal.

I am sure all of you will be very interested in seeing the diverse products at display at this exhibition, which will be inaugurated soon after this event. We have also taken this opportunity to show you a film on the Accessible Books Consortium (ABC) initiative in India. The ABC has tangible benefits and offers an extra ordinary potential by making a real difference to the book famine.Above all, it gives an opportunity to the visually impaired persons to participate fully in literacy.  The film is a warm and tender story and I am sure it will serve as an inspiration for our stakeholdersto enhance their participation in the Consortium.

With these words, once again a very warm welcome to all of you and do enjoy the rest of the evening.