08.13.09
Seychelles discusses rejoining WTO
According to assistant registrar general Brassel Adeline, Seychelles is making its deciding on the best possible agreement under which it might join the World Trade Organisation (WTO). The jurisdiction’s intention to join the WTO has been discussed here last year.
During the 3-day workshop on intellectual property rights that is currently being held at the Coco D’Or Hotel, Beau Vallon, assistant registrar general said, “We must see how we would negotiate to get the best possible deal so that as a small nation we benefit to the maximum through the WTO”. According to him, after the workshop, it will be better known what advantages Seychelles will have under a treaty it might sign.
Attorney-General Ronny Govinden said that there will be fresh negotiations on an economic partnership agreement with the EU when the talks about joining the WTO will be reopened. He informed the delegates that the jurisdiction is seeking help from the World Intellectual Property Organisation (Wipo) in order to draft new intellectual property rights laws that would cover geographical indications, layout designs of integrated circuits and undisclosed information. He said, “Seychelles respects intellectual property rights and regards laws and other measures to protect them as important aspects of long-term economic development”.
It should be noted that customs, police and trade officers, economists and other staff from the ministries of Finance and Foreign Affairs attended the workshop.