On April 1, 2009, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai with Francis Gurry, director-general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and Bill Gates, co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation respectively.
During his meeting with Gurry, Wen said IPR protection was necessary not only for economic development and country-to-country exchanges, but also a matter of respecting the value of people's work. The Chinese government would intensify IPR protection efforts and continue to implement the IPR strategy to promote scientific innovation, economic growth, cultural prosperity and social progress, he said. Gurry spoke highly of China's great progress in IPR protection and said the WIPO would work with China to contribute to the global IPR protection efforts.
Zhou Bohua, minister of the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC), and Tian Lipu, commissioner of the State Intellectual Property Office, attended the meeting.
During his meeting with Gates, Wen expressed appreciation for Gates's care and support to the health and development of mankind, especially his efforts in helping China with HIV/AIDS and TB prevention and control. Both sides also exchanged views on issues of common concern.
Minister of Health Chen Zhu and other officials attended the meeting.