Hong Kong and Guangdong are determined to foster cooperation on intellectual property matters in the Pearl River Delta, Director of Intellectual Property Stephen Selby said.

Speaking at a seminar in Shenzhen today, Mr Selby said it was the first important joint programme which aimed to strengthen ties between the two cities on intellectual property matters, especially those concerning small and medium enterprises.

The seminar, Intellectual Property & Development for SMEs, was jointly organised by the Intellectual Property Department, Trade Development Council, Guangdong Provincial Intellectual Property Office and Shenzhen Municipal Intellectual Property Office.

The one-day event was successfully concluded with a turnout of more than 400 people.

Mr Selby said: "With the building of closer economic ties between Hong Kong and Guangdong, economic integration between the two places becomes the major trend of economic development in the region.

"The seminar was deliberately chosen to be held in Shenzhen, so that government officials from Hong Kong and Guangdong can gather together to introduce their respective intellectual property regime to SMEs in the region.

"This is a significant step to deepen our business sector's awareness of intellectual property protection and management, and foster cooperation on intellectual property matters in the Pearl River Delta Region."

Shenzhen Deputy Mayor Liu Ying-li reiterated their commitment in protecting intellectual property right.

"Businesses, especially SMEs, should always identify themselves with the theme of this year's World Intellectual Property Day - 'Making Intellectual Property Your Business'. They should also strive to build up a sense of respect for innovation and an awareness of intellectual property right protection," he said.

The seminar's morning session focused on the Mainland and Hong Kong's intellectual property protection systems, including the legal and policy framework, and on the licensing business for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

In the afternoon, two series of sessions showcased enterprises' success stories in exploiting and managing their intellectual assets.