Geneva: The State of Qatar’s Office to the World Trade Organization (WTO) and other economic organizations in Geneva conducted a panel session and a specialized workshop in collaboration with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). These events aimed to explore alternative methods for resolving intellectual property and technology disputes, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 16, as part of Qatar’s efforts to attract foreign direct investment and enhance its business environment.
According to Qatar News Agency, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry announced that the session, inaugurated by Ahmed Issa Al Sulaiti, Director of Qatar’s Office to the WTO in Geneva, included 22 experts and specialists from various international institutions. Attendees comprised representatives from the Qatar Research, Development and Innovation Council, Qatar International Court, WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, and several international law firms. Al Sulaiti emphasized that the session’s outcomes are expected to enrich the Second International Mediation and Arbitration Conference, slated for 2025 in Qatar. This conference will focus on the role of intellectual property, technology, and sustainability policies in attracting foreign direct investment and fostering a knowledge-based economy.
He highlighted that organizing this event is part of the Ministry’s 2024-2030 strategy to enhance Qatar’s investment environment and develop dispute settlement mechanisms in line with international best practices. The session underscores the Ministry’s commitment to protecting intellectual property rights and supporting innovation by diversifying effective dispute settlement mechanisms and enhancing cooperation with international organizations to exchange expertise and build capacities.
Participants explored ways to bolster Qatar’s role as a regional hub for arbitration and mediation in intellectual property and technology disputes. Discussions included developing legislative and institutional frameworks, enhancing cooperation with international centers like the WIPO Arbitration and Mediation Center, and building national capacities. The session’s results are anticipated to elevate Qatar as a leading destination for innovation, investment, and dispute resolution in the region.
The participants also reviewed themes for the upcoming Second International Conference on Mediation and Arbitration. This conference will address innovative dispute resolution methods in intellectual property and technology fields in Qatar, along with intellectual property aspects in sports and sustainability policies, supporting a transition to a knowledge-based economy.
These initiatives are expected to uphold the rule of law nationally and internationally, ensuring equal access to justice. Ultimately, they contribute to achieving the Ministry of Commerce and Industry Strategy 2024-2030 and Qatar National Vision 2030.