Kuala Lumpur, Sept. 24 -- Member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have reaffirmed commitment to harnessing intellectual property for innovation, competitiveness and growth with the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The commitment was made at the ASEAN economic ministers-WIPO consultation in Kuala Lumpur on September 24, chaired by Malaysian Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz with WIPO Director-Ggeneral Daren Tang. The event focused on strengthening cooperation and expanding initiatives under the partnership.

ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn highlighted the region's significant progress in IP development.

He noted that patent filings had su...