ISLAMABAD: Adviser to Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood said registration of major local export items under Geographical Indications (GI) law was a milestone in the country’s history for increasing the exports.
A meeting was held at the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) with the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) Pakistan in order to curb unauthorized use of Pakistan’s Geographical Indications (GI) by other countries. IPO Chairman Mujeeb Ahmed Khan also attended the meeting.
The adviser said the GI registration of products from various regions of Pakistan was discussed. “We decided that, after registration of rice, the Pink Salt from the Salt Range Mountains of Pakistan will be registered as GI” he said, adding the both will encourage and motivate producers to expand their business at global level.
Similarly, a list of other products on a priority basis will be pursued, he added. “We urge our business community to identify and inform IPO of another product that can be registered as GI in order to protect them for realising their export potential” the adviser said.
The commerce adviser expressed his satisfaction at the progress made and reiterated the importance of GI registration for various products. He said the registration of GI products will promote and enhance national and international trade of Pakistan.
He said the speedy registration will protect GIs of Pakistan and eradicate the possibility of violation of these products. He further advised the commerce ministry to double its efforts for registration of potential products as GI on a priority basis.
