Posted on Wednesday, May 09 @ 13:46:07 ICT  Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont Thursday stood by his government's decision to enforce compulsory licensing on Aids medicines. advertisement
"We have reasons to explain to the world. We are confident that relevant parties will understand our needs," Surayud said amid the growing pressure from the United States.
The US Trade Representative (USTR) has recently downgraded Thailand's trade status to the US Priority Watch List over intellectual-property violations. The move is widely seen as retaliation against the Public Health Ministry's move to enforce compulsory licensing on certain drugs including an Aids medicine sold by a US-based company.
USTR, however, has pointed out that widespread violations of copyrights on audiovisual products were the main reason behind the downgrade.
Surayud said the Commerce Ministry would work things out in a bid to remove Thailand from the US Priority Watch List.
"Our officials will work with US officials in addressing existing concerns…It's best to proceed by applicable requirements," the premier said.
source:nationmultimedia.com |
