Infringement of intellectual property has huge impact on international trade and has caused enormous harm to financial revenue, investment in trade and consumers. Piracy is even becoming a source of fund for the terrorist organizations, says Kunio Mikuriya, Deputy Secretary-general of the World Customs Organization.

To provide a platform for cooperation among customs in the Asia Pacific Region, the World Customs Organization's regional forum for protection of intellectual property is held in Shanghai Nov 23. Representative of the International Criminal Police Organization, the World Intellectual Property Organization, all customs in the region have presented the forum, which shows the seriousness of infringement of intellectual property and urgent need of the world community to cooperate in protection of intellectual property, says Mikuriya. Protecting intellectual property is a major function of customs. He wishes the forum will help establish a common strategy for the customs in combating crime of intellectual property.

Mikuriya says China is the vice chairman of the International Customs Organization's Asia Pacific Region. The international community hails China's effort in tackling infringement of intellectual property. He wishes China to make more achievements in this regard and hence become a model in the region.

By People's Daily Online