Intellectual property has been identified as an instrument to boost reform and creativity in businesses at a seminar held in Hanoi on April 4.

Nguyen Van Bay, Director of the Centre for Research and Training under the National Office of Intellectual Property of Vietnam (NOIP), said that the protection provided by property rights helps stimulate trade and investment activities and creates a sound competitive environment.

On behalf of the NOIP, Hoang Van Tan noted Vietnam has promulgated a comprehensive system of legal documents and established relevant agencies to execute rules related to IP rights protection.

However, it is necessary to handle shortcomings in utilising protected IP rights, especially patents, Tan stated.

Participants also emphasised the role of the press in raising the awareness of IP rights among the public, State-run agencies, enterprises and universities.

At the event, a representative from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said that Japan always hopes to collaborate with Vietnam in intellectual property development.-VNA