The Centre for Trade and Investment Law (CTIL), in collaboration with Gujarat National Law University (GNLU), recently organised the 9th International Conference on Law and Economics at GNLU, Gandhinagar. The three-day conference focused on the empirical and applied dimensions of law and economics in governance and inclusive public policy.

Bringing together policymakers, academicians, legal practitioners and industry representatives, the conference examined contemporary challenges at the intersection of law, economics and trade policy through plenary sessions, panel discussions and technical presentations. CTIL led discussions on the WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge and its interface with the TRIPS Agreement, as well as India’s approach to trade in health services.

The inaugural session featured former Supreme Court Judge Justice A.K. Sikri and Attorney General of India Shri R. Venkatramani. Justice Sikri highlighted the importance of considering economic implications in judicial interpretation, while the Attorney General underlined the need for new institutional and empirical frameworks for policymaking.

The conference saw participation from scholars from Indian law schools and international institutions including universities from Germany, South Korea, South Africa and Japan, along with representatives from UNESCAP and industry leaders from healthcare and biotechnology sectors.

Prof. (Dr.) James J. Nedumpara, Head, CTIL, addressed developments in services trade and professional mobility, with reference to recent trade agreements. Sessions also examined intellectual property protection of traditional knowledge and emerging trends in medical tourism, digital health and healthcare investment frameworks.