WIPO Director General Daren Tang concluded a two-day official visit to Astana from May 28 to 29, 2025, underscoring the country’s growing role as a hub for innovation, creativity and international cooperation in intellectual property (IP).
The visit coincided with the Astana International Forum, where Mr. Tang participated in high-level discussions and witnessed firsthand Kazakhstan’s ambitious transformation agenda under Vision 2050. The Forum highlighted the country’s bold strides in developing a smart-city strategy and its commitment to becoming a regional leader in technology, digital transformation and entrepreneurship.
During the visit, discussions with senior government officials focused on WIPO’s support for the Kazakh start-ups and entrepreneurs, allowing them to use IP as a tool for business growth and competitiveness. Mr. Tang affirmed WIPO’s commitment to fostering innovation ecosystems that are inclusive, dynamic and future-ready.
Cultural innovation was another highlight of the visit, with Mr. Tang meeting Kazakh singer Dimash Kudaibergen, whose global appeal and reinterpretation of traditional Kazakh music are helping bring the country's cultural heritage to new international audiences.
Astana Engagements
- Held bilateral talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, where he discussed key WIPO initiatives, including the IP Clinics for Women Entrepreneurs, the LLM programs and Summer School, and the launch of Technology and Innovation Support Centers (TISCs). The meeting also explored projects beyond industry, including WIPO’s initiative around the Almaty Aport Apple, helping local producers use geographical indications (GIs), trademarks and designs to better brand and market their prized fruit.
- Participated in the panel session on Intellectual Property in the Era of AI at the Astana International Forum.
- Discussed future cooperation with the Minister of Justice of Kazakhstan Yerlan Sarsembayev, including the development of the National Innovation Strategy with an IP component.
- Engaged with Chair of Berlin Global Dialogue Professor Lars-Hendrik Röller, President of the Eurasion Patent Organization Grigory Ivliev, and others.