10 more products added to GI list: Dawood

ISLAMABAD: The government has added 10 more products to the country's geographical indication (GI) list in a bid to market them as its brands in the international market, an advisor said on Saturday.

"The MOC (ministry of commerce) is glad to share that we have approved further list of ten products for Geographical Indication, Abdul Razak Dawood, advisor to Prime Minister on commerce and trade said in his Twitter handle.

"These include agro and non- agro items Chaunsa Mango, Sindhri Mango, Kinnow, Hunza Ruby, Swat Emerald, Kashmiri Tourmalin, Skardu Topaz, Skardu Aquamarine, Peridot Stone, and Peridot Valley."

GI is a distinctive certificate used to identify a product as originating from a particular country, region or locality that has specific qualities, reputation or other unique characteristics. The certification typically increases market value for products sold in developed countries and protects the branding of these indigenous products by building consumer confidence in their quality.

Dawood said the GI will serve as the potential economic tool to promote and enhance national and international trade by allowing premium price for Pakistan's products.

"The GI will also help Make in Pakistan products to empower further our branding, which is missing in our exports."

Pakistan enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act 2020 in March 2020 to ensure the registration and effective protection of the country’s products.

In Jaunary last, Pakistan has the GI tag for its Basmati, paving the way for creating a local registry for the particular strain of rice and making a case in the international market, as the country fights a case in the EU against India's move to get Basmati rice registered as its product.

The issue of protecting Basmati rice as a product of Pakistan came to the forefront after India submitted an application to the European Union claiming sole ownership of the commodity in September last year.

The issue of protecting Basmati rice as a product of Pakistan came to the forefront after India submitted an application to the European Union claiming sole ownership of the commodity in September last year.

Pakistan exported 500,000-700,000 tonnes of Basmati rice annually to different parts of the world out of which 200,000 tonnes to 250,000 tonnes is being shipped to EU countries.