Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Margaret Mwanakatwe to acknowledge the importance of intellectual property and its offshoots of innovation and creativity.

Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, Margaret Mwanakatwe marked a day that has been set aside globally to acknowledge the importance of intellectual property and its offshoots of innovation and creativity. She further emphasized the significance of strategic use of Intellectual Property which offers great opportunity for individuals, businesses and countries at large.

Mrs Mwanakatwe said this as she delivered her keynote speech at the commermoration of the World Intellectual Propoerty Day under the theme "Innovation-Improving Lives" at the Freedom Statue this morning. She explained that with promotion and protection of Intellectual Property, creative reousrces can be converted into economic assets capable of generating wealth and contributing to a more secure future for human lives.

Chairperson of the Board of the Patents and Companies Registration Agency, PACRA, Professor Mpazi Sinjela pointed out the role that Intellectual Property rights are playing in encouraging innovation and creativity in all areas including food and farming systems, quality education, health care and so on.

Registrar and CEO of PACRA, Mr Anthony Bwenbya, recognized the role of innovation and encouraged innovators to create more and commercialize the products.