Recently, the government of India arranged a Virtual Networking Meet concerning Agricultural and Food Geographical Indication (GI) items. The event was held in conjunction with the Embassy of India in Doha and the Indian Business and Professionals Council (IBPC) in Qatar. The encounter facilitated discussions between Indian exporters and Qatari importers, emphasizing India’s ability to export agricultural and food goods known for their distinctive attributes.
Understanding Geographical Indication (GI) Tag
A GI (Geographical Indication) is used to signify goods that originate from a specific geographical region and possess unique qualities. According to the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, this identification seeks to register and offer improved protection to goods of geographical indications within India. The guidelines for these are laid out in the World Trade Organisation’s Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS).
Furthermore, Articles 1 and 10 of the Paris Convention state that the protection of Industrial Property and Geographical Indication are integral parts of Intellectual Property. Typically, a GI tag can be given to an agricultural product, a natural product, or a manufactured object. It is valid for ten years and can be renewed after that.
Significance of GI Tag
Once a product obtains a GI tag, it cannot be sold under that name by any person or company. It offers legal protection to the product against unauthorized use. The GI tag aids in the product’s export promotion and guarantees customer confidence in the product’s authenticity.
Currently, over 400 Geographical Indications are registered in India, including around 150 for agricultural and food items. Over 100 of these registered GI products fall within the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA) scheduled products category.
India’s Relations with Qatar
During the Indian Vice President’s visit in June 2022, several developments took place. The Vice President launched the “India-Qatar Start-Up bridge,” aimed at connecting the start-up ecosystems of the two countries. Furthermore, the Vice President invited Qatar to join the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and emphasized greater collaboration between India and Qatar at multilateral forums.
Moreover, a Joint Business Council has been established between the Business Chambers of India and Qatar to further investment opportunities. In terms of trade, India exported USD 1.34 Billion worth goods to Qatar in 2020, while Qatari exports to India amounted to USD 7.25 Billion, headlined by Petroleum Gas and Crude Petroleum.
About the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority (APEDA)
APEDA was established under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act enforced in December 1985, replacing the Processed Food Export Promotion Council (PFEPC). Under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, APEDA significantly promotes the export of agriculture and processed food products.
The key roles of APEDA include developing industries related to the scheduled products for export via financial aid, registering exporters for the scheduled products, setting quality standards, improving packaging and marketing of the scheduled products, and promoting export-oriented production and development of the scheduled products.
Geographical Indication Status in UPSC Civil Services Examination
The UPSC Civil Services Examination includes questions on Geographical Indication status. In recent years, questions have focused on identifying items that have received Geographical Indication status and the obligations under which the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 was implemented by India.
Overall, the Geographical Indication tag has significant implications for India’s agricultural and manufactured goods, with direct impacts on export potential and trade relations, particularly with countries such as Qatar.
