Official recognition expected for ALTTS
01 Jun 1998Come June, the Arab world is likely to win for itself a strong say in the new global order taking shape under the aegis of the World Trade Organization.
“The Arab Licensing and Technology Transfer Society (ALTTS) is expected to be formally recognized as a member-region among Licensing and Technology Societies (LAS) at the latter's coming meet in Edinburgh this June," said Talal Abu-Ghazaleh, ALTTS chairman.
He added that the organization, established in May 1997 and headquartered in Amman, would group under its umbrella all 22 Arab League nations, with individual members being representatives drawn from government, industry and academia. There are currently 300 members.
Abu-Ghazaleh was speaking yesterday at a seminar on 'Aspects of Licensing and Technology Transfer Rights' held under the patronage of His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al-Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
The seminar was organized by ALTTS and the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and was attended by Sheikh Abdullah bin Salem Al-Qasimi, chief of the Emiri Court. There were around 200 participants, drawn from the public and private sectors.
The ALTTS was formed to fill the gap in the world organization
of licensing and technology as a regional group from the Arab world, and aimed at helping build the necessary infrastructure and expertise in technology transfers, Abu-Ghazaleh explained.
of licensing and technology as a regional group from the Arab world, and aimed at helping build the necessary infrastructure and expertise in technology transfers, Abu-Ghazaleh explained.
“The world is witnessing a major information technology revolution, with electronic commerce playing a tremendously important role.
Tomorrows world will see the increasing generation of wealth from what I call the 'knowledge industry', and we of the Arab world must take our share of this fortune by going to the root of human knowledge, or risk being left behind by the developed nations," he warned.
Commending this initiative taken by the Arab world, Heinz Goddar, president, Licensing Executives Society International (LESI), explained that it was in Hong Kong this January that the idea to build a new Arab society was first mooted. He added that the Edinburgh meet in June would be followed by a vote this September on the ALTTS request, hinting that formal permission could be granted at this stage.
He said the international body favored a regional society here - as was currently evolving - given the size of individual markets.
Ahmed Mohammed Al Midfa, Chamber Chairman, highlighted the role of technology transfers in industry. Recognizing its importance in all aspects of trade and industry, the chamber had become a member of ALTTS, he pointed out.
Al-Midfa urged all Arab businessmen to become members at the organization.
Al-Midfa urged all Arab businessmen to become members at the organization.
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