(KPL) The Lao People’s Democratic Republic has officially handed over the chairmanship of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC) to Cambodia for the 2025–2027 term.

At a ceremony held at the Sokha Convention Center in Siem Reap, Mr. Saysomphet Norasingh, Director General of the Department of Intellectual Property of Laos and outgoing Chair of the AWGIPC (2023–2025), transferred responsibilities to Mr. Sun Vychea, Director General of Cambodia’s Department of Intellectual Property.

The event was attended by representatives from all 10 ASEAN member states, Timor-Leste (as an observer), and officials from the ASEAN Secretariat. Notable guests included Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce, Ms. Chansouk Saengpachan, and Cambodia’s Secretary of State for the Ministry of Commerce, Mr. Uk Prachea.

Mr. Norasingh, who assumed the chairmanship in March 2023 in Bohol, Philippines, reflected on the group’s achievements over the past two years. Under his leadership, ASEAN made significant progress on its Intellectual Property Rights Action Plan 2016–2025, raising implementation from 78% to 91%. The Lao chairmanship also laid the groundwork for the next action plan (2026–2030), launched a new regional IP strategy, and advanced collaboration under the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AFAIPC).

In his remarks, Mr. Norasingh expressed deep appreciation to the ASEAN Secretariat and IP offices across the region for their support. He also thanked Cambodia for hosting the ceremony and extended his best wishes to Mr. Vychea, expressing confidence in Cambodia’s leadership to further strengthen ASEAN’s IP cooperation.

KPL