Negotiations led by Bangladesh, TRIPS transition period for LDCs extended for 13 years

Transition period of the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) for the least developed countries has been extended for a period of thirteen years. 

TRIPS Council has adopted a proposal in this regard by consensus after a long and intense negotiation among the members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on Tuesday. 

Bangladesh played a leading role in the negotiation on behalf of the LDCs, said Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations in Geneva.

This is the longest extension till now. Earlier, there were such extensions for periods of seven and eight years.  

Ambassador Mustafizur Rahman, permanent representative of Bangladesh in Geneva said, "The negotiation was not smooth at all. The developed countries -- particularly, the US and members of the European Union -- were not agreeable to such a long transition period."

"This special transition period will remain in force till 1 July 2034," he said in a statement, expressing satisfaction with the achievement.

Mustafizur Rahman said Bangladesh is soon going to graduate from the list of the LDCs, but is inclined to find a long-term transition period for the LDCs so that they don't need to sit for negotiation frequently.

Currently, another proposal with regard to LDC graduation is under consideration in the General Council of WTO. Bangladesh is also leading the LDCs in this negotiation.

At present, the African country Chad is playing the role of coordinator for the organisation. But on the matters of trade and intellectual property rights, Bangladesh is leading the negotiations in the WTO.