Geneva, Switzerland, March 18, 2025. His Excellency Mr. Daren Tang, Director General of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), received today Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez Verson, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations in Geneva, at the organization's headquarters.
During the cordial exchange, which also included several WIPO officials and the Counselor of the Cuban Mission, Madelyn Rodríguez Lara, the Director General highlighted the important and recognized achievements of science in Cuba and the advances in the government management system based on science and innovation.
He fondly recalled his productive visit to Cuba in 2022, when he presented awards to the creators of the successful Cuban vaccines against COVID-19.
The senior international official recognized the serious and professional work carried out by the Cuban Intellectual Property Office (OCPI), the entity responsible for establishing the legal framework, policy, management, and administration of intellectual property in Cuba.
For his part, Ambassador Rodolfo Benítez reported on the progress the country is undergoing to improve its science and technological innovation system, in which the issue of industrial property plays an important role.
He updated on the policies and legal regulations on this matter that have been approved in Cuba, including those related to the creation of science and technology parks, interface companies in universities, and the certification of high-tech companies, with economic incentives for scientific production and innovation. He expressed his gratitude for the valuable support provided by WIPO to various projects that contribute to the country's technological development.
The Cuban diplomat also reported on the damaging impact of the economic blockade imposed by the United States government against Cuba.
Both parties agreed to work together to continue strengthening and expanding technical cooperation, which is facilitated by the Memorandum of Understanding signed between WIPO and the OCPI in July of last year.
WIPO is the specialized agency of the United Nations system responsible for promoting the use and protection of works of humankind. It has 193 member states, including Cuba, which joined this international organization in 1975.