IFPI Asia/Pacific Regional Meetings in Bangkok

September 3, 2001 - Representatives of the record industry throughout Asia and the Pacific are meeting in Bangkok this week to discuss the fight against piracy, the future of music on the internet and the promotion of Asian repertoire internationally and throughout the region.

IFPI, with the assistance of the Thai Recording Industry Association (TRIA) is holding its Regional Board and Council Meetings. The ASEAN Music Industry Association (AMIA) will also meet during this week.

IFPI represents over 1,400 record producers and distributors worldwide. It also has National Groups in 46 countries, including TRIA in Thailand. IFPI Secretariat is based in London and is linked to regional offices in Hong Kong, Brussels, Moscow and Miami.

TRIA represents 15 local record companies, who control the majority of the Thai music market.

Both IFPI and TRIA promote the interests of their member companies at international and national levels. Each organisation lobbies for improvements to laws relevant to its members, as well as combating music piracy.

The industry is meeting to exchange views on the changes to the music market in the digital age. Both the opportunities presented, as well as difficulties, of digital distribution will be covered.

Also on the agenda is the promotion of Asian music within and outside Asia. The meeting will consider setting up an Asian music industry award as part of this initiative. TRIA will give a showcase of the local music industry at these meetings.

The problems with music piracy, both physical and online, will also be reviewed. Various strategies to combat this threat will be discussed.

Dr Adisai Bodharmik, the Minister of Commerce, will give the keynote address to the IFPI Council Meeting. The Ministry of Commerce is the agency responsible for preparing laws relevant to the record industry, and plays a major role in enforcing against copyright infringements.

The IFPI Asia/Pacific Regional Board, comprising representatives of the major and independent record companies, meets twice yearly. IFPI Asia/Pacific Regional Council, which is similar to an Annual General Meeting, takes place bi-annually and is attended by the Regional Board, National Groups, and Asian member companies.