May 19, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan repeated his strong dedication to promoting and institutionalizing its geographical indications (GI) regime, as emphasized by the Federal Minister of Trade, Mr Jam Kamal Khan, at the National Conference on geographical indications awareness.
The event was held in Marriott Hotel, Islamabad, and was jointly organized by the Ministry of Trade and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
In his keynote speech, the minister emphasized that GIS not only serves as aids for protection of intellectual property, but also as crucial mechanisms for the preservation of cultural identity, promoting economic development in the countryside and the disclosure of new export roads.
He noticed: “We are at a critical moment where Pakistan can increase his identity on the world markets, not only as a producer of raw materials, but as a quality keeper and heritage.”
Mr. Khan shared that Pakistan has so far registered 20 GIs, including worldwide known products such as Basmati Rice, Chilghoza pine nuts, Sindhri -Mangos and Multani blue earthenware.
He noted that international protection applications are underway in important markets such as the European Union.
He emphasized the economic potential of GIS and called for the creation of strong value chains through certification, defined product specifications, branding and traceability.
The conference brought together a broad spectrum of participants, including representatives of federal and provincial governments, development organizations, GI registrants, Chambers of Trade, Academic Institutions, Legal Experts and Stakeholders in the private sector.
The event was intended to increase awareness about the importance of GIS in national development and sustainable development goals (SDGs), to strengthen institutional cooperation and to improve the capacities for GI identification, value addition and marketing.
The minister has also announced that 200 products were identified as a potential GIS in the country.
He praised the constant support of FAO, in particular under the Tri-Chilgoza initiative, which contributed to identifying four Gi-zones for Chilghoza pain trees in Gilgit-Baltistan, North and South Waziristan, Sherani in Balochistan and Chitral.
He emphasized the potential of the GI framework to support not only economic development, but also for ecological preservation and resilience of the community.
Mr Khan also revealed that the Ministry of Commerce is working on setting up a dedicated GI register and formulating a national strategy for geographical indications.
This strategic document will help the efforts to expand and protect GI products both locally and in international markets, according to the press release.
The Minister concluded his address and for all stakeholders to actively participate in current consultations and contribute to the design of a robust, including a GI -eco system.
He confirmed: “With the right policy and coordination, GIS can become a cornerstone of the strategy for trade and development of Pakistan.”
Copyright Mettis Link News
Posted on: 2025-05-19T13: 42: 59+05: 00
#Pakistan #strengthens #focus #promoting #products #Mettis #Global #Link