Pakistan to oppose India claim of GI tag to Basmati Rice in the EU market

Pakistan to oppose India claim of GI tag to Basmati Rice in the EU market.

The government of Pakistan has made decision in this regard at a meeting in Islamabad on Monday.

Pakistan to oppose India claim of GI tag

According to a press release of Ministry of Commerce, Adviser for Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood presided the meeting.

Secretary Commerce, Chairman, Intellectual Property Organization (IPO-Pakistan), representatives of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and legal fraternity attended.

Government decided to give a befitting reply to India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Basmati Rice in the European Union (EU) market.

It will file its opposition in the EU.

During the meeting, REAP representatives noted Pakistan a major grower and producer of Basmati Rice.

Hence, they called India’s claim for exclusivity as unjustified.

Razak Dawood categorically stated that Pakistan will vehemently oppose India’s application in the European Union (EU).

He said they would restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of Basmati Rice.

The adviser further supported the concerns of REAP and relevant stakeholders.

Moreover, he ensured that their claim for Basmati rice as GI will be protected.

India has submitted an application in the European Union claiming sole ownership of Basmati Rice, falsely misrepresenting its exclusivity.

GTV