The business community has emphasized that, like Basmati rice, Pakistan should apply for a geographical indication (GI) tag for other items to preserve and promote locally produced commodities popular in the worldwide market.
After a dispute occurred when the European Union posted India’s request for a GI tag for basmati rice on its website, Pakistan applied for a GI tag to the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO). Basmati rice is a fragrant rice that is grown in India and Pakistan.
When a country acquires the GI designation, other countries are either forbidden from selling the same brand on the international market or receive cheaper rates. Both countries will earn their due share of rice export now that Pakistan has a Basmati GI tag.
However, several other Pakistani items require the government’s prompt attention to be registered worldwide. In the international market, products with the GI label fetch a higher premium.
