Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao has reiterated his confidence in China's ability to fight piracy, stressing that IPR protection is as important as protecting productivity.

"China will establish an effective system for intellectual property rights (IPR) protection with strict law-enforcement and strong supervision," Wen said during his visit to an ongoing IPR protection exhibition held at the Chinese Military Museum in Beijing.

Wen said China's efforts will focus on four aspects: enhancing law enforcement, improving administrative supervision, broadening international cooperation and fostering IPR protection awareness among the public.

The exhibition is open to the public from April 16 to 23. Hundreds of counterfeit goods are on display and there are booths highlighting the protection of trademarks, copyright and patents from different government departments and domestic companies.?

"The exhibition shows Chinese government's determination to fight piracy," Wen said, adding that the government is firm on IPR protection and it meets the needs of China's modernization drive and is the country's commitment to the international community.

On the same day, a press conference was held in Beijing by several law enforcement and IPR departments of the central government to show China's progress in fighting piracy in 2005.

Wen's comments coincide with President Hu Jintao's state visit to the United States where the issue of piracy is a hot topic at present.

Meanwhile, in Washington, visiting Chinese President Hu Jintao pledged to step up protection of intellectual property rights at a luncheon attended by hundreds of government and business leaders on the second day of his visit to the United States.

"We will continue to improve the legal system for IPR protection, step up law enforcement and crack down hard on IPR infringement to protect the lawful rights and interests of foreign IPR proprietors in China in accordance with the law," Hu said.

(Xinhua News Agency April 21, 2006)