   
  
IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
1 February 2021  
(21-0854) Page: 1/15 
Council for Trade -Related Aspects of  
Intellectual Property Rights  Original: English  
 
REPORT ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF ARTICLE 66.2  
OF THE TRIPS AGREEMENT  
NEW ZEALAND  
The following communication, dated 1 February 2021 , from New Zealand , is being circulated 
pursuant to paragraph 1 of the Decision on Implementation of Article 66.2 of the TRIPS Agreement 
(IP/C/28).  
 
_______________  
 
 
1  INTRODUCTION  
1.  This submission provides an update on New Zealand 's activities for the period 
July 2019 – June 2020, consistent with commitments made under Article 66.2 of the  
TRIPS  Agreement. These commitments contribute to the promotion and encouragement of 
technology transfer to least developed countries (LDCs), with a view to enabling a sound and viable 
technological base.  
2.  Technology transfer is interpreted in this report broadly  to include training, education and 
"know -how", along with any capital component, and include four key modes of technology transfer:    
a. physical objects or equipment;  
b. skills and human aspects of technology management and learning;  
c. designs and blueprints which constitute the document -embodied knowledge on 
information and technology; and  
d. production arrangement linkages within which technology is operated.  
3.  New Zealand en courages and appreciates the interest that LDC Members have in learning more 
about the value and outcomes of our technology transfer programmes. We have also included a 
table of specific examples of technology transfer to LDCs, in response to a request fro m LDCs for a 
more standardised format of reporting.  
2  OVERVIEW OF INCENTIVES, TYPES OF TECHNOLOGY AND THE MODES OF 
TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER  
4.  New Zealand encourages technology transfer to LCDs through various methods, including 
through the promotion of an economic  environment that enables New Zealand enterprises and 
institutions to transfer technology abroad; encouraging global trade in goods, services and labour 
mobility, facilitating a strong intellectual property environment and through various bilateral and 
regional development programmes. We also encourage LDCs to adopt the most relevant and 
cost-effective technology available on the global market.   
5.  Due to New  Zealand's history, culture and location, the primary geographical focus of the 
New Zealand Aid Program me is the Pacific and key partners in Asia. The LDCs with which 
New Zealand has bilateral or targeted regional programmes are: Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, 
Cambodia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Rwanda, Timor Leste, Ethiopia and Afghanistan (all of whom are IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  LDC WTO Memb ers or Observers), and Kiribati and Tuvalu, (non -WTO Member activities are not the 
focus of this report).    
6.  New Zealand's engagement with LDCs on technology transfer occurs predominantly through the 
New Zealand Aid Programme, managed by the Ministry of For eign Affairs and Trade (MFAT).  We see 
technology transfer as fundamental to achieving sustainable development and poverty reduction in 
developing countries, through the investment of money, knowledge and skills. With a strong focus 
on the Pacific, New Zeal and's Official Development Assistance (ODA) was boosted in 2018, with an 
additional funding commitment of NZD 714 million, increasing the overall ODA funds to 
NZD 2,218.73 billion for the period 2018 – 2021.  
7.  This increase in funding coincided with a renewe d strategic direction for New Zealand's 
international cooperation for effective sustainable development. Its updated purpose is to contribute 
to a more peaceful world, in which all people live in dignity and safety, all countries can prosper, 
and our share d environment is protected. New Zealand supports the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable 
Development, and is committed to the values we want to see prevail in the world, including human 
rights, good governance and democracy; gender equality and women's empowerment ; sound 
stewardship of the environment and climate; prevention and peaceful resolution of conflict; and the 
importance of international cooperation.  
8.  Our ODA priorities are dependent on individual country needs to support sustainable 
development, and can b e broadly framed through the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) pillars 
of: 
a. People — health, education, scholarships, human rights, and inclusive development 
targeting women and youth, and humanitarian action;  
b. Planet — climate change, renewable energy, re silience, environment, and oceans;  
c. Prosperity — economic governance, information and communication technology, 
agriculture, trade, labour mobility and employment; and  
d. Peace — effective governance, peacebuilding, security, and preventing violence.  
9.  Guided by  these policy settings, the Ministry will continue to deliver 60% of our overall ODA in 
the Pacific. Beyond the Pacific, the New Zealand Aid Programme prioritises Timor -Leste and 
South  East Asia, and takes a targeted approach to the rest of Asia, Africa an d Latin America. In 
these regions, we focus our aid on addressing climate change, peacebuilding, effective governance, 
and achieving a resilient global economy.  
10.  In 2018, New Zealand also launched the "Pacific Reset " - a refreshed New Zealand approach to 
the Pacific Islands region. New Zealand's engagement in the Pacific is driven by our strong Pacific 
identity and interconnectedness with the region, coupled with the direct impact the Pacific's stability 
and prosperity has on New Zealand's national interests . The "Pacific Reset " recognizes that the 
Pacific faces a broad array of challenges and is becoming an increasingly contested strategic space, 
under which New Zealand has to work harder to maintain our positive influence. New Zealand is 
therefore seeking t o deepen its engagement with the Pacific and ensure our relationships with Pacific 
Island countries are built on understanding, friendship, mutual benefit and a collective ambition to 
achieve sustainable results.  
3  ODA ACTIVITIES PROVIDING TECHNOLOGY TRANSFE R TO LDCS1 
3.1  EXAMPLES OF BILATERAL PROGRAMMES WITH LDCs  
11.  As the New Zealand Aid Programme evolves over time, different elements of technology transfer 
will feature.  The following are some current examples from bilateral programmes with a number of  
LDC WTO Member Countries.    
 
1 The information provided is based on the reporting criteria agreed by the TRIPS Council in February 
2003. Any relevant activities of multilateral agencies that New Zealand provides core funding to are not reflected 
in this report. All figures quoted are in New Zealand dollars.  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  3.1.1   Vanuatu  
12.  New Zealand, the Government of Vanuatu and the World Bank have partnered on the Vanuatu 
Rural Electrification Project to deliver affordable renewable energy to people in rural areas. Under 
phase one and phase two of the  project, New Zealand has provided NZD 11 million over eight years 
(2014 -2022) through the Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility to subsidise low -maintenance solar 
photovoltaic "plug and play " systems for approximately 26,450 households (132,250 people) , in 
addition to 230 health posts, 2,000 community halls. Phase Two is also piloting the delivery of larger 
capacity solar powered mini -grid systems for five rural communities across Vanuatu. To date VREP 
Phase 1 and 2 has provided sustainable renewable el ectricity to 17,500 households reaching 
approximately 87,500 people.  
3.1.2   Myanmar  
13.   Plant and Food Research, a New Zealand Crown Research Institute, is partnering with Proximity 
Design, a Myanmar Social Enterprise, in a five year (2018 -2021) NZD 7.9 million project to improve 
the productivity, incomes and resilience of smallholder vegetable farmers and reduce post -harvest 
losses, in the Shan Highlands, Ayeyarwaddy Delta and Dry Zone regions.   
14.  The NZD 4.3 million Myanmar –New Zealand Renewable Energy Pr ogramme supports increased 
and equitable access to affordable and reliable energy. Support included delivery of technical training 
to government officials and support to solar power development procurement.  
15.  The New Zealand Companies Office supported the i nitiative for ASEAN integration project on 
simplifying business registration in Myanmar, simplifying business registration procedures, and 
modernising business registration systems by implementing an electronic online registry based on 
good regulatory prac tices.  With New Zealand’s support, in August 2019, Myanmar enacted legislation 
governing online business registration, which raised its ease of doing business ranking by six places.   
3.1.3   Lao People's Democratic Republic  
16.  The NZD 11.8 million Lao PDR Renewable E nergy Facility undertook comprehensive technical 
reviews of 56 small and large hydro dams, along with targeted training programmes. The 
New Zealand Technical Adviser supported the Government of Lao PDR to update their national 
renewable energy strategy, na tional energy efficiency roadmap, and deliver technical renewable 
energy English language training to 56 key government officials.  
17.  The NZD 11 million UXO Lao Activity cleared 612 hectares of contaminated land in 
Xieng  Khouang Province this year. The New Ze aland Technical Advisor delivered 177 training 
sessions to 140 UXO Lao staff in demolition procedures, quality assurance and control, 
environmental management, health and safety and emergency response.  
3.1.4   Cambodia  
18.  The NZD 5 million Cambodia Quality Horticultu re Activity trained 165 farmers and trainers in 
sustainable Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) production methods, and 85 postharvest actors in 
postharvest handling approaches. New Zealand technical assistance supported the Ministry of 
Agriculture to become a fully functional Cambodia Good Agricultural Practices (CAMGAP) certification 
body, along with the development of a certification manual and checklist for farmer use.  
3.2  EXAMPLES FROM REGIONAL PROGRAMMES  
19.  New Zealand provides LDCs with technology transfer and  assistance to encourage investment 
through various regional assistance programmes.  In some cases it is difficult to separate expenditure 
specifically provided to LDC Members, although it is clear that LDC Members within these regions 
benefit from these pr ogrammes.  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  3.2.1   Pacific Economic and Trade -related Activities  
20.  Sound economic management and appropriate policies are critical to encourage technology 
transfer, trade and investment.  The New Zealand Aid Programme provides funding to various 
regional organisations  that provide economic advice, capacity building, or support the development 
of trade or investment:  
a. The Pacific Islands Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC) supports Pacific Island 
Countries to improve economic management through the provision of  technical advice and 
practical support in public financial management, tax administration, macroeconomic 
management and National Accounts, and in coordinating donor efforts in these areas.  New 
Zealand has committed NZD 12 million for the current five -year cycle of PFTAC through to 
April 2022; and  
b. The Pacific Trade & Invest (PTI) office in Auckland aims to enhance trade, investment and 
tourism opportunities for Pacific Island businesses. New Zealand contributes NZD 1.1 
million per year to the operation of P TI. 
3.2.2   ICT sector  
21.  New Zealand also funds a broad range of initiatives in the ICT sector across the Pacific region, 
aimed at improving connectivity for communities that are underserved, and enhancing digital 
services for citizens and businesses. Examples of th ese initiatives include:  
a. Investment of approximately NZD 42 million into submarine cables in Polynesia, 
connecting a number of countries to cables for the first time to improve connectivity and 
reduce cost to the consumer;  
b. Funding of NZD 6 million to the U niversity of the South Pacific to upgrade its academic 
campus network over 14 countries in the region, to improve education and training 
outcomes through the provision of enhanced digital education platforms;  
c. Commitment in 2019 of NZD 10 million over five -year to provide cybersecurity capacity 
building support to Pacific countries, to help partners improve security of their digital 
technology platforms and information online; and  
d. A partnership with the World Bank, beginning in 2019, to conduct an assessment  of 
e-government digital services and the digital economy across the region with a view to 
providing recommendations on how to improve e -government services and the digital 
economy to citizens and businesses in the Pacific.  
22.  Implementation of a sustainable border management solution, Asycuda, for smaller  Pacific 
PACER Plus signatories, by installing modern customs administration and trade facilitation  software 
in the Cook Islands, Kiribati, Nauru, Niue, Tonga and Tuvalu. The system will assist these 
Pacific  countries to reduce border transaction costs, improve revenue collection, and provide more 
efficient and transparent services for traders. Development of regional and national tools  to 
support  teaching of  the science curriculum at year ten through an interactive e -learning programme 
with the goals of improving science outcomes in secondary schools in four countries (Samoa, 
Cook Islands, Vanuatu and Solomon Islands) and building e -learning capacity.  
3.2.3   Business Development  
23.  New Zealand also inv ests in sources of sustainable and inclusive private sector -led economic 
growth where they exist, which has a strong focus in the Pacific on agriculture and tourism and 
supporting Pacific countries build the infrastructure that underpins trade and economic  growth 
opportunities. Since 2013, New  Zealand has funded the International Finance Corporation almost 
NZD 37 million to catalyse private sector participation and investment across the region.   
24.  Support for small to medium enterprise (SME) development is a key focus for New  Zealand, 
with the five -year, NZD 12.5 million Business Link Pacific (BLP) supporting SMEs to access quality, 
local business advisory services to grow and improve their operations. By June 2020, BLP had built IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  a regional network of almost 1 00 quality -approved business advisors and enabled over 500 SMEs to 
access business advisory services valued at NZ 3.39  million. 
3.2.4   Broadcasting  
25.  New Zealand has also funded the Pacific Cooperation Broadcast Limited's Pasifika TV 
programme since 2015. The initiative has delivered a range of benefits. An enhanced programme 
was launched this year, which includes a dedicated Pasifika channel hosted by TVNZ. The programme 
involves Pacific journalists and benefits from the delivery of field equipment and associa ted technical 
training to improve the quality and quantity of Pacific -led content. Benefits include:  
a. A significant increase in the amount of Pacific -created content to be hosted on the channel, 
through bespoke training and a contestable fund for Pacific cr eators (from 2020);  
b. An increase in intra -regional sharing of Pacific stories facilitated by a biennial Pacific 
broadcaster’s conference (from 2020). Also aided by access to Pasifika TV as a 
collaborative channel platform;  
c. Further advancement of Pacific bro adcasting capability through an expanded training and 
media exchange programme (from 2020); and  
d. Improvement to broadcasting infrastructure with a regional upgrade allowing broadcasters 
to receive multi -format feeds (i.e. Standard Definition, High Definitio n & 
livestream/online).  
26.  Pacific governments and agencies will be able to contribute to the Pasifika TV service by 
providing public service and emergency response messaging to be displayed on the channel. A 
number of the Pacific broadcasters receiving conte nt via Pasifika TV, and contributing their own 
content, are national public broadcasters. Through the platform, Pacific governments and 
broadcasters will have the opportunity to support domestic creative industry sectors and encourage 
job creation in new s ections of the economy. The current 24 partner broadcasters are in several 
Pacific Island countries including the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu.   
3.2.5   Pacific Regional Agency Activities  
27.  New Zealand provides core financial support  to the Secretariat of the Pacifi c Regional 
Environment Programme (SPREP) (NZD 10.35 million over five years 2020 -2024). SPREP provides 
technical advice, programme support and capacity building assistance to Pacific island countries and 
territories in the areas of biodiversity and ecosyst em management, climate change,  ocean 
acidification, waste management and pollution control,  and environmental monitoring  and 
governance, and accordingly promotes the transfer of knowledge into the region.  
28.  New Zealand provides core support of NZD 9 million  per year to The Pacific Community  (SPC) 
which is the Pacific’s leading science and technical agency, with a regional mandate across multiple 
sectors including agriculture, public health, education quality, coastal fisheries, energy, disaster 
management, h uman rights, gender and youth, and statistics. It promotes technology transfer into 
the region in these areas.  
29.  New Zealand provides core support of NZD 4.6 million per year to the Forum Fisheries Agency 
(FFA) which assists Pacific countries to cooperate to  manage their tuna fisheries, and to maximise 
the economic and social benefits of this resource. This includes building national capacity and 
technology transfer in the areas of fisheries management, compliance and legal frameworks.  
30.  MFAT fully funds Pacifi c Cooperation Broadcasting Ltd (PCBL), the parent company for Pasifika 
TV, for NZD 3 million per year. As well as providing 24/7 free content to contracted broadcasters 
(currently 21 broadcasters in 15 countries), PCBL also provides training in journalism,  editing, and 
business management. The funding arrangement includes the provision of high definition digital 
decoders, mojo units (filming) and laptops. These collectively provide the capability for real -time 
filming, editing and broadcasting on the stream  through the central hub in Auckland, operated in 
conjunction with Māori TV, increasing the Pacific -generated content on the channel.  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  3.2.6   Climate Change Programme  
31.  In 2019/20, New Zealand continued implementing a dedicated climate change programme 
enabling Paci fic countries to lead their climate change response. The programme provides 
NZD 150 million over four years in bilateral and regional funding, including support for the Pacific 
Climate Change Centre, working with Australian counterparts on the Climate and Ocean Support 
Programme, and strengthening water security in low -lying countries.  
32.  New Zealand funds a broad range of initiatives which aim to support low -emissions 
climate -resilient development, improve access to science and information to support Pacific Island 
countries' decision -making, improve water security and strengthen ecosystems, increase access to 
renewable energy, and support both economic and climate resilience. Examples of these initiatives 
include:  
a. Following piloting of the Pacific Risk Tool for Resilience in Samoa and Vanuatu, we will be 
working with partners in New  Zealand and the Pacific to further develop the tool, which 
will enable PICS to model the effects of natural hazards, such as tropical cyclones and 
droughts, to forecast damage to people and infrastructure. This information will be used 
to inform short -term (e.g. disaster response) and long term (e.g. land -use) planning to 
reduce potential losses;  
b. In Vanuatu, water and sanitation activities have seen 196 Drinking Water Safety and 
Security Plans completed, 19 communities implementing low -cost improvements to their 
existing water supply systems and ten infrastructure investment projects completed. By 
mid-2020, 336 communities - around 17% of rural Vanuatu communities – will have 
comple ted DWSSPs; and  
c. A suite of renewable energy initiatives across a range of Pacific countries such as 
Papua  New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Samoa, Niue, Tokelau  and the North Pacific 
has seen these countries make significant progress towards achieving their ambitious 
renewable energy targets. New Zealand also progressed a number of renewable energy 
initiatives in South East Asia, East Africa and the Caribbean.  
33.  New Zealand has committed to delivering at least NZD 300 million in climate -related support 
from 2019 to 2022, at least two thirds of which will benefit the Pacific and at least half of which will 
focus on adaptation. Our recent country programmes in the Pac ific find that the Aid Programme's 
investments in renewable -energy generation and electricity distribution across the Pacific are 
relevant to the priorities of partner countries. The investments help New Zealand's partner countries 
make progress towards th eir renewable -energy targets; reduce their reliance on importing fuel to 
generate electricity, which is expensive; enhance the climate resilience of electricity systems; 
generate more reliable electricity in remote locations; and reduce greenhouse gas emis sions (this 
enhances the Pacific's credibility when it advocates for action on climate change).  
3.2.7   Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme  
34.  The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme enables New Zealand employers in the 
horticulture and viticulture indust ries to recruit migrant seasonal workers, primarily from the Pacific.  
The purpose of the scheme is to provide New Zealand employers with a reliable source of seasonal 
labour and to provide Pacific workers with income and employment opportunities.  While RSE  workers 
are in New Zealand they also have the opportunity to up -skill and undertake a variety of training 
courses.   
35.  Since 2007, 220,000 seasonal work visas have been issued under the scheme. Of that, 51,100 
RSE visas have been issued to workers from LDCs in the Pacific (Kiribati, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu 
and Vanuatu). Workers involved in the scheme have improved their literacy, numeracy and 
communication skills, which also led to improved confidence.  
36.  The New Zealand Aid Programme provides significant finan cial support to facilitate the scheme, 
including:  
a. A training programme for RSE workers in English language, financial literacy  and life skills 
for new entrants to the scheme as well as more advanced training, for example, in basic IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  trades, small business and leadership for more experienced workers. The programme has 
provided training to over 8,000 workers over seven years (2012 – 2019); and  
b. Technical assistance delivered by the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and 
Employment to build the capacity of Pacific governments to recruit and manage the supply 
of labour for New Zealand's horticulture and viticulture industries under the RSE scheme.  
3.2.8   Africa  
37.  The New Zealand – Africa Geothermal Facility (NZ -AGF) is a NZD 10.2 million partnership with 
the African Union Commission. Over five years (2018 -22), it provides geothermal technical 
assistance to support the development of the  geothermal sector in 11 eligible East African countries 
including Rwanda and Ethiopia. Initiatives delivered to date have focused on regional training, where 
Ethiopia has been represented. The AGF is planning to  deliver a multi -country drilling support 
programme (for Ethiopia, Tanzania and Djibouti), as well as additional targeted TA to work with the 
Kenyan Geothermal Development Company, and to support to the Ethiopian government restructure 
its geothermal industry. New  Zealand is also working in Rwanda a nd Ethiopia with the Clinton Health 
Access Initiative to reduce malnutrition and help farmers to improve production methods and 
post-harvest systems, and increase farmer incomes, contributing to increased economic and food 
security benefits from agricultur e. 
3.3  EXAMPLES FROM GLOBAL PROGRAMMES  
3.3.1   New Zealand Scholarships  
38.  The New Zealand Aid Programme provides scholarships to citizens of targeted developing and 
least developed countries to undertake vocational and professional training or tertiary level study in 
New Zealand, the Pacific region or in South East Asia. During 2019/20, 1,107 new scholarships were 
delivered, with funding totalling approximately NZD 93.64  million. The Aid Programme supported 
1,066 tertiary students on scholarship in tertiary institutions in New  Zealand and also the Pacific.  
39.  New Zealand Scholarships enhance the skills, knowledge and other attributes of scholars so 
that they can assist in the social and economic development of their home countries. Scholarships 
are offered only in subjects and skills relevant to the human resource development needs and 
priorities of partner countries.  
3.4  OTHER NEW ZEALAND PROGRAMMES WITH A TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER 
COMPONENT   
3.4.1   The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand  
40.  The Intellectual Property Office of New Zeal and (IPONZ) provides on -going technical assistance 
on request to developing and least developed countries.  New Zealand will continue to support future 
work, on request, to improve the intellectual property systems of developing countries.  
41.  The Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand (IPONZ) provides on -going technical assistance 
on request to developing and least developed countries.  New Zealand will continue to support future 
work, on request, to improve the intellectual property systems of developing c ountries.  
42.  IPONZ is recognised for its efficient and effective online services, high quality examination and 
registration processes. As a result, IPONZ hosts delegations and study visits from developing and 
least developed countries to provide practical tra ining and knowledge sharing.  
43.  IPONZ hosted delegates from Indonesia in December 2019, and Fiji in March 2020 to assist in 
their preparation to join the Madrid Protocol for the International Registration of trademarks.  
44.  This year, IPONZ was unable to take part in our two reciprocal trademark examiner exchanges; 
one with Intellectual Property Office of Australia (IP Australia), the other with Intellectual Property 
Office of Singapore (IPOS) due to the COVID -19 pandemic.  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  3.4.2   The Plant Variety Rights Office (PVRO)  
45.  New Zealand has been a member of the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties 
of Plants (UPOV) since 1981. A key element of UPOV is cooperation between member states and the 
harmonisation of testing and e xamination activity. On an as requested basis, New Zealand supplies 
variety test reports to several members and utilises testing results from other states for the Rights 
decision here.  Such activity encourages on going sharing and exchange of technical exp erience and 
expertise between UPOV member states.  
46.  New Zealand continues to actively participate in the Council, Consultative Committee, 
Administrative and Legal Committee, Technical Committee and the Technical Working Parties for 
Agriculture, Ornamentals and for Fruit. New Zealand will take over the chairmanship of the Technical 
Working Party for Fruit Crops for 2021 -2023. The International Union for the Protection of New 
Varieties of Plants (UPOV) conducted all meetings in 2020 by virtual means.  
Table of specific activities by New Zealand for the period 1 July 2019 to 30 June 2020  
Category  Date  Location  Activity  
Practical training and 
information exchange  December 2019  Wellington, New 
Zealand  IPONZ hosted eleven delegates 
from Indonesia ’s Directorate 
General of Intellectual Property to 
share how our teams manage 
trademark and Madrid Protocol 
applications.  
  
Information exchange  December 2019  Wellington, New 
Zealand  IPONZ hosted an overseas 
delegation from the Japanese 
Patent Office to exchange 
information on operational and 
policy matters.  
Information exchange  March 2020  Wellington, New 
Zealand  IPONZ hosted two delegates from 
the Fijian Intellectual Property 
Office to share how IPONZ 
undertook our preparation to the 
Madrid Protocol, an d how we 
digitised our records and 
designed our system to go 100% 
online  
Information exchange  June 2020  Wellington, New 
Zealand (on -line) IPONZ staff provided Fiji 
assistance in digitisation training 
and information sharing.  
 
3.4.2.1   AANZFTA Economic Cooperation Support Programme  
47.  AANZFTA mandates a programme of technical assistance activities known as the AANZFTA 
Economic Cooperation Support Programme (AECSP). The AECSP is jointly funded by Australia and 
New Zealand. Between 2010 and December 2019, it had an overall budget of AUD 34 million. As of 
December 2018, 83 projects had been initiated across the eight different components of the 
economic cooperation work programme, with 66 being completed as of December 2019.  
48.  Projects funded by the AECSP are av ailable to all ten ASEAN member states, including three 
LDCs: Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar. The aim of the AECSP is to facilitate AANZFTA 
implementation; progress built -in agenda negotiations; achieve deeper economic integration among 
the parties; and inc rease business utilisation of AANZFTA.  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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  49.  In 2019 New Zealand recommitted to funding this programme until 31 December 2021. During 
the period July 2016 – July 2020, numerous AECSP projects promoted technology transfer, 
particularly the transfer of skills and human aspects of technology management and learning. Some 
examples of projects involving Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar include:  
a. The extension of support to a number of projects focused on intellectual property in 2019, 
including for "IP Public E ducation and Awareness " and "Regional Patent Examination 
Training (RPET) Mentoring "; 
b. OECD Investment Policy Reviews for Cambodia, Lao PDR and Myanmar (ongoing);  
c. Technical workshops across a range of areas of the agreement, including sanitary and 
phytosanitary measures, rules of origin and food standards, capacity building for patent 
examiners, competition law and consumer protection, national qualification framewo rks 
and investment policy;  
d. Enhancing ASEAN Logistics and Transport Services;  
e. Phase 3 of the "Accession to the Madrid Protocol Project " – AECSP supported the 
succession of Lao PDR to the Protocol in 2016 and provided technical assistance to 
Myanmar to aid f uture accession; and  
f. Further secondments of officials from Myanmar to the New Zealand Commerce 
Commission under the Competition Law Implementation Programme.  
 
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  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
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Name of programme or project  Vanuatu Rural Electrification Project (VREP Phase I)  
Objective or purpose  To deliver affordable renewable energy to people in rural areas.  
Entity making the incentive available  New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Pacific Regional Infrastructure Facility, World Bank  
Eligible enterprises or institutions in 
developed country Member  Department of Energy, Ministry of Climate Change Meteorology and Energy.  
Beneficiary Member(s)  Vanuatu  
Beneficiary Observer(s)   
Beneficiary enterprises or institutions  Department of Energy, Ministry of Climate Change Meteorology and Energy.  
Nature of incentive measure  Subsidies, technical assistance  
Financial implications  NZD 6 million  
Field of technol ogy Renewable energy - Low maintenance solar photovoltaic "plug and play " systems, technical assistance to prepare 
Environmental Code of Practice and operations manuals  
Category of technology  Environmentally friendly or sustainable technology; Information and communications technology; Climate change 
mitigation technology  
Output or impact  Increased access to affordable renewable energy in rural areas.  
New solar "plug and play " systems for 17,500 households, 230 health posts and 2,000 not -for profit community halls 
in rural areas.  
Status of the programme or project  Current or in progress  
Duration and timing  2014 - 2020 
Website for further information   
Contact point for further information  New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)  
 
 
1 In English and French only.   
  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
- 11 - Name of programme or project  Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC)  
Objective or purpose  Improved economic management leading to sustainable economic growth across the Pacific Islands  
Entity making the incentive available  Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC)  
Eligible enterprises or institutions in 
developed country Member  Government departments including Treasury, Revenue and Customs  
Beneficiary Member(s)   
Beneficiary Observer(s)   
Beneficiary enterprises or institutions  Pacific Financial Technical Assistance Centre (PFTAC)  
Nature of incentive measure  Capacity building through technical assistance and training.  
Financial implications  NZD 12 million  
Field of technology  The provision of technical advice and practical support in public financial management, banking regulation, tax 
administration, macroe conomic management and National Accounts, and in coordinating donor efforts in these areas. 
Public Financial Management  
Revenue policy and administration  
Economic statistics  
Financial sector supervision  
Macro -economic management  
Category of technology  Information and communications technology  
Output or impact  Technical advice and capacity building delivered through advisory missions.  
On-demand remote advice (email, phone)  
Manuals & guidance notes on key issues.  
Regional and subregional train ing courses and seminars.  
 
Improved economic management in the Pacific region through the provision of technical advice and capacity building 
to Pacific Island countries, in key areas of public sector financial management.  
Status of the programme or proje ct Current or in progress  
Duration and timing  2015-2022 
Website for further information  http://www.pftac.org/  
Contact point for further information  New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)  
  
  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
- 12 - Name of programme or project  PC Trade Programme  
Objective or purpose  Supporting production of trade statistics by PICs  
Entity making the incentive available  Statistics New Zealand  
Eligible enterprises or institutions in 
developed country Member  Pacific Customs Departments and Pacific National Statistics Offices  
Beneficiary Member(s)   
Beneficiary Observer(s)   
Beneficiary enterprises or institutions  Pacific Customs Departments and Pacific National Statistics Offices  
Nature of incentive measure  Capability building through technical assistance  
Financial implications  NZD 140,000 per annum  
Field of technology  Production and utilisation of trade statistics  
Trade statistics database, The provision of technical assistance and capability building  
Category of technology  Food and agriculture; Information and communications technology  
Output or impact  Design and installation of New Zealand -designed customs database and software replacement. Technical assistance 
and training for h elpdesk services  
Improved quality and timeliness of trade statistics in Pacific will support better planning, decision -making, and 
evidence -based policy making. It will also provide a stronger evidence base to track effective aid and development 
results.  
Status of the programme or project  Current or in progress  
Duration and timing  2004-2021 
Website for further information   
Contact point for further information  International and Business Performance Statistics, Statistics New Zealand  
  
  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
- 13 - Name of programme or project  Strengthening Pacific Labour Mobility Partnerships: Toso Vaka o Manū  
Objective or purpose  Increased economic benefits from labour mobility in the Pacific  
Entity making the incentive available  New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment  
Eligible enterprises or institutions in 
developed country Member  Government Departments, community leaders and Pacific groups  
Beneficiary Member(s)   
Beneficiary Observer(s)   
Beneficiary enterprises or institutions  Government Departments, community leaders and Pacific groups  
Nature of incentive measure  Capacity building through technical assistance and training.  
Financial implications  NZD 10 million in total for nine Pacific Island countries  
Field of  technology  Government dept.: Information management; processes; communication and marketing; RSE participants: 
horticulture practices  
The provision of training and technical advice to Pacific governments in information management, processes, 
knowledge, communication and marketing.  
Category of technology  Environmentally friendly or sustainable technology; Food and agriculture; Informatio n and communications 
technology  
Output or impact  Training, workshops and secondments to New Zealand for Government representatives, community leaders and 
groups. The focus will be on information management, processes, knowledge, communication and marketing.  
Improvement in the management and coordination  of labour mobility initiatives and improved horticulture skills and 
practices.  
Status of the programme or project  Current or in progress  
Duration and timing  2017 - 2022 
Website for further information  https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/aid -and-development/our -work-in-the-pacific/regional -initiatives/  
Contact point for further information  New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)  
  
  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
- 14 - Name of programme or project  Recognized Seasonal Employer Worker Training Programme  
Objective or purpose  Increased development benefits from labour mobility in the Pacific  
Entity making the incentive available  Private sector training provider  
Eligible enterprises or institutions in 
developed country Member  Pacific seasonal workers employed in New Zealand  
Beneficiary Member(s)   
Beneficiary Observer(s)   
Beneficiary enterprises or institutions  Pacific seasonal workers employed in New Zealand  
Nature of incentive measure  NZ-based training programme for Pacific seasonal workers  
Financial implications  NZD 5 million in total for Pacific Island countries  
Field of technology  Horticultur e, and viticulture work experience; training in literacy, English language, finance, ICT, basic trades, solar 
and climate resilience  
Category of technology  Environmentally friendly or sustainable technology; Food and agriculture; Information and communications 
technology; Climate change mitigation technology  
Output or impact  20-hours course time per worker per season.  
Improved workplace skills and confidence, small businesses and community initiatives established, increased 
remittances to the Pac ific. 
Status of the programme or project  Current or in progress  
Duration and timing  2018 - 2023 
Website for further information  http://www.fruition.net.nz/we -offer/training/#vakameasina  
Contact point for further information  New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)  
  
  IP/C/R/TTI/NZL/1  
 
- 15 - Name of pro gramme or project  Climate Change Programme  
Objective or purpose  Enabling Pacific countries to lead their climate change response  
Entity making the incentive available  NZ Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade  
Eligible enterprises or institutions in 
developed country Member  Government Departments, community leaders and Pacific groups  
Beneficiary Member(s)   
Beneficiary Observer(s)   
Beneficiary enterprises or institutions  Government Departments, community leaders and Pacific groups  
Nature of incentive measure  Capacity building through technical assistance and training.  
Financial implications  NZD 150 million  
Field of technology  Climate resilience  
The provision of training and technical advice to Pacific governments in climate resilience  
Category of technology  Environmentally friendly or sustainable technology; Information and communications technology; Climate change 
mitigation technology  
Output or impact  Development of tailored climate resilience plans for Pacific Island countries.  
low-emissions climate -resilient development, improve access to science and information to support Pacific Island 
countries' decision -making, improve water security and strength en ecosystems, increase access to renewable energy, 
and support both economic and climate resilience  
Status of the programme or project  Current or in progress  
Duration and timing  2018 - 2021 
Website for further information   
Contact point for further information  New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT)  
 
 
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