Phnom Penh, 30 March 2023: Professor Hidetoshi Nishimura, President of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA), signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Ministry of Commerce (MoC) of Cambodia and Japan Patent Office (JPO) on 30 March 2023 in Phnom Penh. MoC was represented by H.E. Dr Pan Sorasak, Minister of Commerce and Chairman of the National Committee for intellectual Property, whilst JPO was represented by Commissioner Koichi Hamano.

The Memorandum of Cooperation is to confirm mutual understanding and cooperation in the field of intellectual property rights (IPR) amongst MoC, JPO, and ERIA. As the digital economy continues to grow, the use of IPR as trademarks and geographical indications is becoming increasingly important for businesses to distinguish themselves from competitors. IPR is seen as a key factor in producing innovative and distinguished businesses in Cambodia.

In this context, MoC, JPO, and ERIA have agreed to strengthen technical cooperation on research in the field of IPR. Under the Memorandum of Cooperation, ERIA will conduct a research project on branding strategies.