§ Mr. StunellTo ask the President of the Board of Trade what action her Department is taking in the development of technology transfer to developing countries under the auspices of the convention on biological diversity. [31988]
§ Mr. BattleMy Department's approach to technology co-operation relevant to the objectives of the convention on biological diversity is the same as that which applies to environment-related technologies more generally. It continues to promote a framework of policies nationally and internationally, including effective protection of intellectual property rights, which encourages private investment in developing, commercialising and diffusing technology.
To provide practical help, following the Earth Summit in Rio in 1992 where the Convention on Biological Diversity was agreed, the UK launched the Technology Partnership Initiative. TPI, which is run by the Joint (DTI/DETR) Environmental Markets Unit (JEMU), aims to improve access by business in developing countries to 640W information on up-to-date technological solutions and best practice available from UK companies, and foster improved business to business contacts.