ISLAMABAD: The Geographical Indications (GI) Law will help protect Pakistani products like Peshawari chappals, Multani pottery, Hunza apricots, Hala ajrak, Kasuri methi, Chaman grapes and Turbat dates etc.
This was stated by Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment Abdul Razak Dawood during a briefing to commerce ministry officials following the meeting of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Commerce.
Talking about the objectives of GI Law, Razak Dawood said the law would ensure that indigenous products of Pakistan get a premium price in the international market. “Under this act, a wide range of products, including basmati rice and mangoes, will be introduced in the international market as national brands of Pakistan.”
The adviser noted that a lot of companies in the past used to sell Pakistani-origin products without mentioning the country.
Pakistan had enacted Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, which was pending for over 14 years, in March 2020. “The GI Act, 2020, will also encourage Small and Medium Enterprises to expand their business worldwide. The protection of geographical indications will boost exports and will be helpful in supporting rural development in the country, enhancing the livelihood of agriculture producers and skilled craftsmen,” the adviser stated. “In addition, the marketing of GI products will enhance the secondary economic activities in the GI region, which will boost regional economic development.”
At the end of the session, the advisor directed the ministry officials to continuously follow up on the implementation of the GI Act and resolve any issues in this regard so that the intended objectives could be achieved with maximum benefits to the SMEs and local communities across the country.
