The business community of Pakistan has appealed for the provision of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to protect and promote locally produced products that are popular internationally.

Recently, Basmati Rice got the Geographical Indication tag after which the business community has stressed to provide GI tag to other Pakistani products as well.

Basmati Rice is an Indian and Pakistani brand, however in India the Basmati Rice had gotten the GI tag and later Pakistan had also demanded to grant GI tag to the Pakistani product also.

If the GI tag is granted to one country, then the other countries are barred from selling the same brand or receive lower prices for it.

“Many made in Pakistan products need registration by the government to be recognized in international markets,” said the business community.  

Peshawari Chappal, Multani Sohan Halwa (dessert), Sindhi Ajrak (shawl), Sargodha kinnow, Kasur Methi (Fenugreek) and Sindh mangoes. Dhir knives, Swat’s wild mushrooms, Chaman grapes and Pashmina shawls could also attract a host of customers in the international market.

According to Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) President Zulfikar Thaver, “Authorities should promptly contact the IPO and claim GI right for goods that are specifically known, reputed and acknowledged for their geographical origin in Pakistan.”

The Cereal Association of Pakistan Chairman Rauf Chappal and Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) President Zulfikar Thaver have requested the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) to provide GI tags to the Pakistani products as soon as possible.