ISLAMABAD: Adviser to PM on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood on Monday directed Ministry of Commerce officials to implement the Geographical Indications (GI) law to sell Pakistani products in the international market.

He asked ministry officials to resolve issues on priority basis so that the intended objectives of the law can be achieved. The maximum benefit of the implementation will be for the small and medium enterprises and local communities around the country.

He issued these directives during a meeting to review the implementation of the GI since it was promulgated as a law. Pakistan enacted Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act in March. The law had been pending for over 14 years and a number of companies were selling local products under their name tag, without attributing their origins.

The GI Act, 2020 provides legal protection to local products which encouraging the SMEs to expand their business worldwide. The protection of geographical indications will boost exports and help support rural development in the country, enhancing the livelihood of agriculture producers and skilled craftsmen.

In addition, the marketing of GI products will also enhance the secondary economic activities and boost regional economic devleopmein various regions boosting economic development. This promotion of indigenous products can also support growth in the tourism industry as the people from around the world will be encouraged to access the special products which originate from a particular region and form a part of that region’s cultural heritage.

Dawood said that the GI law will protect local products like Peshawari chappals, Multani blue pottery, Hunza apricots, Hala ajrak, Kasuri methi, Chaman grapes, Turbat Dates and many others.

He said the government wants premium prices for indigenous products in the international market as a lot of companies sell these products without attributing their origins.

After the GI Act, indigenous products will be introduced in the international market as Pakistani brands, he added.

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2020