Addressing the international conference on "Copyright Enforcement in the Digital Environment," held in Hanoi from June 17 to 21, Deputy Minister Phong emphasized the critical role of robust copyright protection in fostering cultural and economic development.

The conference, organized by Vietnam's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism in collaboration with Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), brought together policymakers and experts from 15 countries across Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East.

It served as a platform for exchanging insights and strategies to tackle the complexities of copyright enforcement in today's digitally transformed world.

Ambassador Choi Youngsam of the Republic of Korea to Vietnam noted that the conference provided a valuable opportunity for delegates to discuss enhancing international cooperation to address the challenges posed by digital technology.

Deputy Minister Phong highlighted that the rapid development of digital technology has created vast new opportunities while also posing significant challenges, particularly in copyright enforcement.

"The open nature of the digital space makes it easier to copy and disseminate creative works, posing substantial challenges in copyright protection," Phong stated. Effective copyright enforcement, he added, is essential not only for protecting creators' rights but also for promoting investment in the creative industries, which contributes to job creation and economic growth.

WIPO senior legal advisor Xavier Vermandele underscored the importance of legal certainty for businesses and the overall economic benefits of robust copyright enforcement. He acknowledged the difficulties posed by the global nature of the Internet and rapid digital advancements, which complicate efforts to combat copyright infringement.

Vietnam has been proactive in enhancing its legal framework for copyright protection. The country has participated in several international treaties on copyright and related rights, including the Geneva Convention for the Protection of Producers of Phonograms, the Brussels Convention, the Rome Convention, the TRIPs Agreement, and WIPO treaties such as the WCT and WPPT.

Despite these advancements, Deputy Minister Phong noted the need for further improvements in the capacity of copyright management and enforcement agencies. He called for stronger cooperation at both national and international levels, involving law enforcement agencies and private sector intermediaries.

The conference featured 34 topics and 50 presentations from international and Vietnamese experts, focusing on various aspects of copyright enforcement. Key discussions included the value of copyright and its contribution to the economy, common methods of online copyright infringement, threats related to pirated content, and effective strategies to address online copyright violations.

Van Anh