By Our Staff Reporter
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to give a befitting reply to India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Basmati Rice in the European Union and it will file its opposition in the EU.
This was decided during a meeting chaired by Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor for Prime Minister on Commerce. The meeting was attended by Secretary Commerce, Chairman, Intellectual Property Organization (IPO-Pakistan), representatives of Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan (REAP) and legal fraternity.
During the meeting, REAP representatives were of the view that Pakistan is a major grower and producer of Basmati Rice and India’s claim for exclusivity is unjustified.
Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood categorically stated that Pakistan will vehemently oppose India’s application in the European Union and restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of Basmati Rice.
Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood further supported the concerns of REAP and relevant stakeholders and ensured that their claim for Basmati rice as GI will be protected.
It is pertinent to mention that India submitted an application in the European Union claiming sole ownership of Basmati Rice, falsely misrepresenting its exclusivity.