Inter-Regional workshop on Trade and Health, WHO/SEARO, New Delhi, 12-13 October 2004.

Skeletal Outline of the Closing Remarks by Dr Samlee Plianbangchang Regional Director, WHO/SEARO at Inter-regional Workshop on Trade and Health WHO/SEARO, New Delhi 12-13 October 2004 Inter-regional Workshop on Trade and Health WHO/SEARO, New Delhi, 12-13 October 2004 Skeletal outline of the closing remarks by Dr Samlee Plianbangchang Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia • This subject was discussed at the 9th Meeting of Health Secretaries of the Countries in SEAR last July. • Then, the subject was brought to the attention of the 57th session of the WHO Regional Committee for South- East Asia. • A number of action points was identified for WHO to support countries in this important area. • This includes, among other things, to strengthen the capacity of various institutions and promote short and long-term training courses related to globalization, trade, IPR and health within the Region. • It is a difficult and sensitive area. • Countries have asked for help o Knowledge and understanding. o Capacity to get involved in the trade agreement. • WHO capacity is limited. • Work closely with WTO. 2 • MoH and MoT to work closely. o Policy coherence • WHO to continue providing information in cooperation with WTO • WHO with WTO to provide forum/platform for international exchange of information and experiences among countries, such as this meeting. • WHO/WTO – consultation service to countries. • Intercountry cooperation. • Publication in common man’s language on difficult and complex issue. • The importance of this meeting • There should be follow up meeting after sometime. • To prepare a very good report of this meeting. Q:\RD-OFFICE\Speeches\2004\Closing remarks-Inter-regional wksp on Trade & Health, 12-13 Oct 04, New Delhi.doc