IPO submits reply to EU against India's claim

RECORDER REPORT

ISLAMABAD: The Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) has submitted it reply to the European Union (EU) against India's claim of having Geographical Indications (GI) tag for Basmati rice.

An official told Business Recorder that the EU will now invite both India and Pakistan within a couple of months and make an effort to sort out the issue amicably. However, in case the differences are not resolved, Pakistan will fight its case proactively.

On Thursday, a meeting was chaired by the Advisor to the Prime Minister on Commerce and Investment, Abdul Razak Dawood to discuss issues pertaining to registration of Geographical Indications on priority basis. The meeting was attended by Secretary Commerce and Chairman Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO).

The Advisor was informed that, after the registration of rice, the Pink Rock Salt will be registered on fast-track. For this, a Registrant would be designated with approval of the Federal Cabinet.

Abdul Razak Dawood expressed his satisfaction at the progress made and reiterated the importance of the registration of various products as GIs. He said that the registration of GI products will serve as a potential economic tool to promote and enhance national and international trade of Pakistan. Speedy registration will protect GIs of Pakistan and eradicate the possibility of violation of GI products.

He advised the Ministry of commerce to double its efforts for registration of potential products as GI on priority basis.