DPM: Malaysia to become regional copyright trading hub

KUALA LUMPUR: The 7th edition of Kuala Lumpur Trade and Copyright Centre (KLTCC) has created the platform for Malaysia to become a regional copyright trading hub.
Deputy Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin said the event, organised by Perbadanan Kota Buku, a government-linked company under the Education Ministry, has enabled it to become the gateway of "Malaysiana" content by bringing Malaysia to the forefront of the world.
"The 7th edition of KLTCC has wonderfully showcased to us Malaysia's commitment and rapid progression in becoming a regional copyright trading hub in the Asia Pacific," he said in his speech which was read by Deputy Education minister Datuk Mary Yap Kain Ching at the KLTCC officiating ceremony at Putra World Trade Centre here today.
Muhyiddin said efforts to make Kuala Lumpur a regional copyright trading hub was indeed a strategic and valuable initiative in the current knowledge economy and built based on social, historical and geographical factors.
"Add this to Malaysia's strengthening ties with China, the world's second largest book publishers in the world today, the notion of Kuala Lumpur becoming the regional copyright trading hub may indeed soon be a reality," he said.
He added the establishment of Kota Buku complex, expected to be completed in three years time, would recognised it as a true regional hub for intellectual properties, content and copyright trading.
Muhyiddin said according to MyIPO's 2013 annual report, revenue from copyrighted merchandises, industrial designs, patents, trademarks as well as geographical indications have generated RM70 million.
"Such figures are most encouraging for the Malaysian economy due to the increasing awareness of the importance of copyright.
"My dream is to see Malaysia's book industry be included in the scope of MyIPO's reporting in the near future to serve as the catalyst for growth in the industry," he said.