Pakistan strengthens focus on promoting GI products

May 19, 2025 (MLN): Pakistan reiterated its strong dedication to advancing and institutionalizing its Geographical Indications (GI) regime, as highlighted by Federal Minister for Commerce, Mr. Jam Kamal Khan, at the National Conference on Geographical Indications Awareness.

The event was held at Marriott Hotel, Islamabad, and was jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

In his keynote address, the Minister emphasized that GIs serve not only as tools of intellectual property protection but also as crucial mechanisms for preserving cultural identity, fostering rural economic development, and unlocking new export avenues.

He remarked, “We stand at a critical juncture where Pakistan can elevate its identity in global markets not just as a producer of commodities, but as a custodian of quality and heritage.”

Mr. Khan shared that Pakistan has registered 20 GIs to date, including globally known products such as Basmati rice, Chilghoza pine nuts, Sindhri mangoes, and Multani blue pottery.

He noted that international applications for protection are ongoing in key markets like the European Union.

Emphasizing the economic potential of GIs, he 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 from federal and provincial governments, development organizations, GI registrants, chambers of commerce, academic institutions, legal experts, and private sector stakeholders.

The event aimed to increase awareness about the significance of GIs in national development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), strengthen institutional collaboration, and enhance capacities for GI identification, value addition, and marketing.

The Minister also disclosed that 200 products have been identified as potential GIs in the country.

He commended FAO’s ongoing support, particularly under the TRI-Chilgoza initiative, which has helped identify four GI zones for Chilghoza pine nuts across Gilgit-Baltistan, North and South Waziristan, Sherani in Balochistan, and Chitral.

He highlighted the potential of the GI framework to support not just economic development, but also ecological conservation and community resilience.

Furthermore, Mr. Khan revealed that the Ministry of Commerce is working to establish a dedicated GI Registry and is formulating a National Geographical Indications Protection Strategy.

This strategic document will guide efforts to expand and safeguard GI products both locally and in international markets, as per the press release.

Concluding his address, the Minister urged all stakeholders to participate actively in ongoing consultations and contribute to shaping a robust, inclusive GI ecosystem.

He affirmed, “With the right policies and coordination, GIs can become a cornerstone of Pakistan’s trade and development strategy.”

Copyright Mettis Link News