According to the People's Daily news service, vice commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), Li Yuguang told those attending the symposium that following China's entry into the World Trade Organization (WTO), there is a need for the three regions to increase cooperation with regard to protecting intellectual property rights, if they are to remain competitive at an international level.

Meanwhile, director of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Intellectual Property Department, Stephen Selby announced that Hong Kong has traditionally attached great importance to the development and protection of intellectual property, and welcomed the symposium as a chance to increase the coordination and efficiency of efforts in this area by the three regions.