Pakistan has decided to challenge India’s claim of exclusive rights over the use of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Basmati rice in the European Union (EU).
Commerce Secretary Muhammad Sualeh Ahmad Faruqui informed a parliamentary panel on Tuesday:
India has claimed its rights over Basmati rice in the European Union market and has challenged the Geographical Indication (GI) law.
This was decided during a meeting chaired by Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Razak Dawood.
The meeting was attended by;
1. Secretary Commerce
2. Chairman
3. Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO-Pakistan)
4. Representatives of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (Reap)
5. The legal fraternity
Who has more power over Basmati rice?
During the meeting;
REAP representatives were of the view that Pakistan is a major grower and producer of basmati rice.
India’s claim for exclusivity is unjustified.
Abdul Razak Dawood categorically stated that Pakistan will vehemently oppose India’s application in the European Union and restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of basmati rice.
Abdul Razak Dawood supported the concerns of REAP and relevant stakeholders and ensured that their claim for basmati rice as GI will be protected.
It is pertinent to mention that India submitted an application with the European Union claiming sole ownership of basmati rice, falsely misrepresenting its exclusivity.
Pakistan and GI tag laws
Pakistan recently enacted the geographical indication (GI) law for registration and protection of brands after nearly two decades of deliberation.
The legal protection was introduced to keep local goods from commercial misuse and to combat counterfeiting and promote Made in Pakistan products in global markets.
Why was the law presente?
Pakistan enacted Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act in March 2020.
It is to protect Pakistani brands and ensure premium prices for country’s indigenous products in foreign markets.
Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razzak Dawood said earlier;
“The Geographical Indications (GI) Law will protect our local products like;
1. Peshawari chappal
2. Multani blue pottery
3. Hunza apricots
4. Hala Ajrak
5. Chaman grapes
6. Turbat Dates
7. Kasuri methi and many other such products”
The policy will prevent misuse of trademarks and help Pakistan,
“To get premium prices for our indigenous products in the international market”
Because they are most sold without branding of the country of origin.