The intensive three-day programme focused on developing practical ideas to design trade policies that support innovation and access to health technologies, including through intellectual property.

The workshop was designed in close collaboration with the secretariats of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and organized with the support of the Moroccan Ministry of Industry and Trade.

The Director General of Trade at the Ministry, Abdelouahed Rahal, opening the event, said, “Bearing in mind that economic development depends on improving people's living standards and well-being, Morocco has undertaken major reforms to improve access to and the quality of healthcare.”

Participants heard from senior officials, who shared their experiences of implementing policies to support equitable and sustainable access to health technologies. The speakers included representatives from the Moroccan Industrial and Commercial Property Office, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, and the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Discussions on ways to promote access to medicines, diagnostics and vaccines underscored the need for coordinated action, given the complexity of the challenges related to health and climate change.

At the closing round table, participants stressed the need for agile collaboration among different government authorities. The goal is to find practical solutions that seek to further integrate trade, intellectual property and health policies.

The WTO Secretariat tailors workshops to specific regions and subregions. More information about face-to-face activities is available here.