Pakistan to register Himalayan pink salt as Geographical Indications
What's the story
Pakistan has decided to register Himalayan pink salt as Geographical Indications to prevent its unauthorized use by other countries.
GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess origin-based qualities and reputation in the region.
The salt is extracted from the Salt Range in Punjab which extends south of the Potohar Plateau and north of the Jhelum River.
Meeting
Decision was taken to curb unauthorized use of Pakistan's GI
The decision was taken in a meeting with the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO) Pakistan chaired by Commerce Adviser Razak Dawood.
IPO Chairman Mujeeb Ahmed Khan also attended the meeting, the Dawn newspaper reported on Friday.
An official announcement said that during the meeting, GI registration of products from various regions of Pakistan was discussed to curb the unauthorized use of Pakistan's GI by others.
Basmati
Pakistan is fighting a case against India over Basmati rice
Notably, Pakistan is fighting a case in the 27-member European Union against India's move to get Basmati rice registered as its product.
"We decided that, after registration of rice, pink salt from the Salt Range mountains of Pakistan will be registered as GI," the advisor said, adding that this will encourage and motivate producers to expand their business at a global level.
Details
A list of other products will be pursued on priority
For this, a registrant would be designated with the approval of the Cabinet. Similarly, a list of other products on a priority basis will be pursued.
"We urge our business community to identify and inform IPO of other products that can be registered as GI in order to protect them and help them realize their export potential," Dawood said.
Statement
How will the GI registration help Pakistan?
The commerce advisor expressed satisfaction at the progress made and reiterated the importance of GI registration for various products.
The registration of GI products will serve as a potential economic tool to promote and enhance national and international trade in Pakistan.
"Speedy registration will protect GIs of Pakistan and eradicate the possibility of violation of these products," the advisor said.
Information
Pakistan has received the GI tag for its Basmati
In January, Pakistan received the GI tag for its Basmati, paving the way for creating a local registry for the particular strain of rice and making a case in the international market, as the country fights the case in the EU against India.