The Guangdong Geographical Indications International Cooperative Conference was held in Guangzhou on January 12 through online and offline formats as a sub-event of the ongoing Guangdong Week of China Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai.
More than 150 enterprises participated in the conference offline while over 140 thousand people from manufacturing, trade and cultural companies as well as related government departments attended online.
Hosted by the China Council for the promotion of the International Trade Guangdong Committee (CCPIT Guangdong), the conference will shed light into ways to boost international cooperation in the field of geographical indications through strategies such as policy formulation, technology, intelligent property right protection as well as trade and logistics.
Cui Shuang, Vice President of CCPIT Guangdong (Photo provided to GDToday)
Cui Shuang, Vice President of CCPIT Guangdong, said the geographical indication is like a passport of the product in international trade. Thus far, it has been well recognized by the international society and international trade organizations. “The CCPIT will continue to promote international trade and improve legal services for businesses to eventually drive both domestic and international trade volume.”
In addition, the CCPIT will invite 15 Guangdong enterprises which produce and sell iconic Guangdong products including Xinhui Chenpi (tangerine peel) and Yingde black tea, to display their products at the event and will help bridge them with overseas partners.
(Photo provided to GDToday)
Lv Hong, General Manager of Dachaoshan Tea (Shenzhen), elaborated that geographical indication is significant because it not only identifies a product’s place of origin, but also indicates its specific quality and reputation.
Lv’s company produces and exports Dancong Tea, an iconic product of Fenghuang Town, Chaozhou City of Guangdong. He said: “We hope to promote our products to more overseas markets, and participate in more academic conferences like this so that we could facilitate the standard setting of local specialties and further global recognition.”
The number of geographical indications in Guangdong has reached 237, according to the fourth national geographic indication survey in 2020.
The China-EU Agreement on the Protection of Geographical Indications came into effect on March 1, 2010. It not only provides opportunities for Chinese customers to enjoy EU specialties such as wine, meat and dairy products, but also brings Chinese specialties such as tea, wine and food to the EU. The cooperation also serves as a model for partnership between China and ASEAN, Australia and New Zealand as well as other countries and regions.
The conference was co-organized by the Agricultural Trade Promotion Center of MARA, Guangdong Chamber of International Commerce and Guangdong Entry-Exit Inspection and Quarantine Association.
Author | Jiang Chang (intern)
Editor | Nan, Jasmine, Jerry
