Pakistan to challenge Indian claim of GI tag on basmati rice in EU

[Firebat]

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan has decided to oppose India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU). A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU with proof that Indian claims did not have solid grounds.

This was decided during a meeting chaired by Abdul Razak Dawood, Adviser for Prime Minister on Commerce. The meeting was attended by secretary commerce, chairman Intellectual Property Organisation (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. 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.

Abdul Razak Dawood 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 with the European Union claiming sole ownership of basmati rice, falsely misrepresenting its exclusivity.

Official sources said that India had applied for GI Tag in EU for basmati rice under article 50(2) (a) of EU Regulations No. 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and of the council on quality scheme for agriculture products on September 11. India in its application had falsely claimed basmati rice as an Indian origin despite the fact that the same rice is largely produced in Pakistan. Pakistan exports 500,000 to 700,000 tons of basmati rice to different parts of the world out of which 200,000 to 250,000 tons are being shipped to EU countries. It is also a fact that EU Regulation No 972/2006 of June 29, 2006 laying down special rules for import of basmati rice for determining their origin had recognised basmati as a joint product of Pakistan and India.

But now India was making claims of exclusivity on basmati rice in the EU. According to laid down rules and procedures, any country can oppose the application for registration of an AME pursuant to Article 10 and Article 50(2)(a) of the regulation number 1151 (2012). There is a time limit of three months to file an application against it, so now Pakistan has decided to file an application for opposing the right of exclusivity of India on basmati rice GI tag.

https://www.thenews.com.pk/print/72...-indian-claim-of-gi-tag-on-basmati-rice-in-eu

 

[pillionrider]

India must respond with vengeance and make sure that this basmati rice is cooked and sold only in Indian restaurants that are actually owned by those of Indian origin post-1947

 

[MenInG]

Good try India. Things this BJP govt stoops too is incredible.

 

[msaaim89]

Good try India. Things this BJP govt stoops too is incredible.

India's claim will be thrown out as frivolous.

Should Peru be the only nation allowed to call a potato by it's name?

 

[Kroll]

Good try India. Things this BJP govt stoops too is incredible.

Not only are they fascists but riceists as well.

 

[Local.Dada]

How much Basmati rice does Pakistan actually export in comparison to India or is it one of those that things that need to be opposed just because India is involved?

 

[Muddaser]

How much Basmati rice does Pakistan actually export in comparison to India or is it one of those that things that need to be opposed just because India is involved?

Pakistan is the fifth highest exporter of rice.

Why is India claiming Basmati exclusivity?

 

[cric_man]

France successfully patented Champagne. California used to also sell Champagne, but after the case anything produced in California had to be sold as "California Sparkling Wine".
Rationale was that Champagne has to come from that specific region of Champagne in France.

In the early 2000s basmati rice was being grown in Texas and they would sell it as basmati. In that case both India and Pakistan jointly files suit against it and won arguing the same logic as Champagne that it had to come from the same outlying areas of the Himalayan mountains. The growers had to change the name to Texmati.

So for India now to go one up and exclude Pak is a bit of a reach since it is the same geographical area and not a different continent. But you never know, GoP has bungled up fairly open/shut cases in the past.

 

[Slog]

Pakistan is the fifth highest exporter of rice.

Why is India claiming Basmati exclusivity?

Second highest exporter of basmati rice

 

[JaDed]

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/basmati-rice-geographical-indication-tag/

Why MP cannot be included in GI Tag?

AIREA said that under WTO’s TRIPs (trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights) agreement, physical attributes are not enough for a product to earn GI tag and that reputation linked to the geographical region is essential and imperative. As per GI of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act in 2003, ‘reputation’ to a geographical area is central to the recognition of a GI product and only seven states have that reputation. Even if the rice grown in MP has all the required characteristics (or maybe even better than Basmati rice grown in the traditional growing areas), the same would not still entitle such rice to qualify as Basmati. Just like sparkling wine produced in Australia or California or Italy cannot be called Champagne and Kancheepuram Silk Sari is a GI product, but a Banarsi sari cannot claim a share of the status though it might be as beautiful as the Kancheepuram Sari. Same goes with Basmati and any rice which is grown outside the designated area cannot be called Basmati.


-----------------------------------------

We are not even including our states for exclusivity reasons.

 

[KingKhanWC]

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/basmati-rice-geographical-indication-tag/

Why MP cannot be included in GI Tag?

AIREA said that under WTO’s TRIPs (trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights) agreement, physical attributes are not enough for a product to earn GI tag and that reputation linked to the geographical region is essential and imperative. As per GI of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act in 2003, ‘reputation’ to a geographical area is central to the recognition of a GI product and only seven states have that reputation. Even if the rice grown in MP has all the required characteristics (or maybe even better than Basmati rice grown in the traditional growing areas), the same would not still entitle such rice to qualify as Basmati. Just like sparkling wine produced in Australia or California or Italy cannot be called Champagne and Kancheepuram Silk Sari is a GI product, but a Banarsi sari cannot claim a share of the status though it might be as beautiful as the Kancheepuram Sari. Same goes with Basmati and any rice which is grown outside the designated area cannot be called Basmati.


-----------------------------------------

We are not even including our states for exclusivity reasons.

Champagne is a region of France. Is there an area in India called Basmati, where the rice orginates from?

 

[cric_man]

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/basmati-rice-geographical-indication-tag/

Why MP cannot be included in GI Tag?

AIREA said that under WTO’s TRIPs (trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights) agreement, physical attributes are not enough for a product to earn GI tag and that reputation linked to the geographical region is essential and imperative. As per GI of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act in 2003, ‘reputation’ to a geographical area is central to the recognition of a GI product and only seven states have that reputation. Even if the rice grown in MP has all the required characteristics (or maybe even better than Basmati rice grown in the traditional growing areas), the same would not still entitle such rice to qualify as Basmati. Just like sparkling wine produced in Australia or California or Italy cannot be called Champagne and Kancheepuram Silk Sari is a GI product, but a Banarsi sari cannot claim a share of the status though it might be as beautiful as the Kancheepuram Sari. Same goes with Basmati and any rice which is grown outside the designated area cannot be called Basmati.


-----------------------------------------

We are not even including our states for exclusivity reasons.

What is the designated area for Bastmati? It is the Himalyan foothills which include both Northern/Central Pakistan as much as India.

For Champagne, there is a significant geographical distance between Champagne France (where it originated) and the likes of California & Australia.

 

[Giannis]

Iranians also produce basmati and it's a big part of the cuisine, even in America basmati is associated with Iranians yet we don't see Iranians trying GI tag it. I think Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to unify against India's monopoly.

 

[JaDed]

What is the designated area for Bastmati? It is the Himalyan foothills which include both Northern/Central Pakistan as much as India.

For Champagne, there is a significant geographical distance between Champagne France (where it originated) and the likes of California & Australia.

Probably similar as Pak..

When was Basmati brought under GI tag and which is the area where GI tag is applicable to the Basmati?

In May 2010, APEDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, got this certification for the region located in Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) below the foothills of the Himalayas, spread across seven states — Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Western UP (26 districts) and Delhi.

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Also Pakistan's 18 areas are in GI as per as that article.. just not from entire Pak.. but i guess as per the OP its not for EU.. but guessing its diff for USA?

 

[MP2011]

Good!

Like this war than the one fought through guns & missiles.

 

[CricketCartoons]

Good!

Like this war than the one fought through guns & missiles.

As if this is going to replace the fight with guns and missiles.

 

[Giannis]

Good!

Like this war than the one fought through guns & missiles.

This year is Azerbaijan and Armenia, last season was us maybe we'll square off again in a few years

 

[Varun]

Iranians also produce basmati and it's a big part of the cuisine, even in America basmati is associated with Iranians yet we don't see Iranians trying GI tag it. I think Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan and Bangladesh to unify against India's monopoly.

Iran doesn't have anything to do with Basmati production.

Saudi Arabia, Iran and UAE are the 3 biggest destinations for India's basmati rice exports though.

Likewise Afghanistan.

 

[Greenstorm]

Acts like these makes India a formidable enemy.

They do not let go of any single opportunity to take advantage and harm Pakistan. The attention to detail, the commitment is commendable.

 

[cric_man]

Probably similar as Pak..

When was Basmati brought under GI tag and which is the area where GI tag is applicable to the Basmati?

In May 2010, APEDA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Commerce, got this certification for the region located in Indo-Gangetic Plains (IGP) below the foothills of the Himalayas, spread across seven states — Himachal Pradesh, J&K, Punjab, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Western UP (26 districts) and Delhi.

-------------

Also Pakistan's 18 areas are in GI as per as that article.. just not from entire Pak.. but i guess as per the OP its not for EU.. but guessing its diff for USA?

Love this line from the IndianExpress article you have quoted.

India stands tall in the global arena as the only producer of premium Basmati. No other country (other than 18 districts of Pakistan) can call any of its rice as ‘Basmati’

One line says India is the only producer and no other country (other than 18 districts of Pak) can produce bastmati.

It seem all of India can produce the rice and only 18 districts in Pak can call it Basmati. When in actuality it is also certain districts in India that can call it Basmati. Not all of India can call rice produced as Basmati.

Disingenuous reporting. Typical Indian bluster when it comes to Pakistan...

 

[JaDed]

Love this line from the IndianExpress article you have quoted.



One line says India is the only producer and no other country (other than 18 districts of Pak) can produce bastmati.

It seem all of India can produce the rice and only 18 districts in Pak can call it Basmati. When in actuality it is also certain districts in India that can call it Basmati. Not all of India can call rice produced as Basmati.

Disingenuous reporting. Typical Indian bluster when it comes to Pakistan...

In all honesty, its one of the better papers.. and probably only one reporting properly, unfortunate mistake here though..

 

[Abdullah719]

Basmati: what is at stake?

Last week, BR Research covered the gaps in Pakistan’s Geographical Indications framework and its stalled implementation. These gaps risk weakening Pakistan’s case at EU against India’s exclusive rights claim as the only country of basmati origin. But it might help to take into account what is at stake for the two competing nations.

Compared to Pakistan, India is pretty much a giant when it comes to global basmati trade. Out of the total basmati exports from the sub-continent, Pakistan’s share has been a puny 15 percent over the past decade. In fact, during 2018, India’s basmati exports alone exceeded Pakistan’s total food group exports, which include all agri commodities such as dairy, fish, fruits, and even red meat!

But that makes sense, given the sheer size of our hostile neighbour and swathes of irrigated land available to its farmers. Indian basmati edges over Pakistan in most respects, even though the varieties cultivated are similar (often exchanged through grey market channels). For example, average yield per hectare in Indian regions of Punjab, Haryana, and J&K ranges between 3 – 3.5 tons, against 1.97 tons this side of the border.

Similarly, Indian traders have historically fetched a better price for their produce in international market. Consider that in 2019, Pakistani exporters sold local basmati at an average $880 per ton against total volume of 0.9 million tons of basmati – compared to a tad higher $1,110 per ton fetched by Indian traders on export of whopping 4.1 million tons.

Yet, basmati export from both countries is still largely commoditized, though to varying degrees. Pakistani exporters have struggled more to build brands, onus of which largely falls on lack of investment in marketing and building brand equity – a fact acknowledged by chairman Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan in an interview with BR Research earlier this year.

Thus, the current conflict appears to be one of market access rather than brand recognition. Of course, that is a far easier battle to pick, as even the most fervent patriots on this side of the border would admit that nation branding is a stronger suit of the hegemonic neighbour, given its greater diplomatic currency and soft power.

But this raises an obvious problem. If the conflict is over exclusive market access, why have daggers been drawn over a market that buys just 5 percent of total global basmati trade?

Consider that more than 80 percent of Indian basmati exports – in value terms – are to Gulf countries, where Iran is its biggest buyer with import of $1.2 billion worth basmati rice every year. This is embarrassing on two accounts: one, Pakistani exporters have land access to Iran as the two countries share a nearly thousand kilometres long border. And two, unlike UAE – which serves as a re-packaging/re-branding stopover for basmati from both India and Pakistan – Iran makes little re-exports to EU. Consider also that India’s annual basmati export to Iran is 1.4 times Pakistan’s total basmati export to the rest of the globe. Seen from the lens of market access, Iran, and not EU, is the one who got away!

What makes India’s obsession to getting Pakistan’s basmati banned from EU all the more frustrating is that until last year, UK was the largest buyer of Indian basmati in the single market, with its share of 37 percent. Minus UK, basmati exports from India and Pakistan to continental European countries are very much on equal footing – at $130 million per annum. For India, that’s less than 5 percent of its annual basmati exports, but for Pakistan, that is nearly 17 percent of its total global basmati market. Pakistan’s prospective loss thus is more substantial, especially in relative terms.

It is tough to predict which way the camel might land. But its consequences are already obvious. First, an exclusive right in EU could create a precedent under TRIPs for other markets as well, beginning from North America, APAC, Mediterranean, and eventually Gulf nations. On the other hand, all hope should not be lost for Pakistan, as it may continue to have its foot in the European door through UK. The Great Britain is all set to exit the single market and may refuse to follow EU’s definition in bilateral trade with countries such as Pakistan.

What is clear, however, is that Pakistani exporters will now have to try even harder to capture the Gulf market, which imports almost 80 percent of all internationally traded basmati. Transit ports such as Dubai will become even more crucial as they may serve as sites to repackage goods under Indian brands. As the Eastern hegemon continues to invest in building brand India, that means further commoditization for Pakistan’s basmati, as the gap between per unit prices fetched by traders in both countries will widen.

The MoC then should be far more concerned with the lack of recognition for brand Pakistan, which has allowed basmati to become synonymous with brand India. Yes, Pakistan should worry about market access to EU, but worry even more about the precedent Indian move has created for other trading partners. Meanwhile, some introspection might also be in order for losing the other next-door neighbour, Iran, which - given its one-quarter share in global trade - is a five times bigger market than EU-27.

https://www.brecorder.com/news/40024317/basmati-what-is-at-stake

 

[IAJ]

What's next? Mangoes maybe?

 

[CricketCartoons]

What's next? Mangoes maybe?

The cultivars popular in pakistan, chausa and anwar ratol, are originated in india.

 

[Abdullah719]

Two law firms shortlisted to fight for Pakistan’s Basmati

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Imran Khan is expected to pick one of the international law firms short-listed for fighting Pakistan’s case in the European Union to protect the country’s long-grain aromatic Basmati rice after India applied for ‘an exclusive’ GI (Geographical Indications) tag for the brand name.

Both Pakistan and India had earlier in the late 1990s and the early 2000s jointly won the legal battle against an attempt of Texas-based company, RiceTec, to patent Basmati rice in the United States. After losing the battle, the company named its rice brand as Texmati.

An informed source at the commerce ministry confided to Dawn that Pakistan had short-listed two Brussels-based international law firms, namely Messrs Altius international law firm and Messrs Liedekerke Wolters Waelbroeck Kirkpatrick to fight the Basmati battle, and the premier would pick one of the two.

The commerce secretary had recently briefed senior government officials that India had applied for ‘an exclusive GI (Geographical Indications) tag for Basmati rice under the Regulation (EU) No. 1151/2012 of the European Parliament and the European Union’s official registry, the Council on Quality Schemes for Agricultural Products and Food Stuffs.

A GI tag is a sign used on agricultural products that have specific geographical origin and possess qualities or reputation that are due to that origin and are part of the intellectual property rights. GI tag helps boost sales and exports as the geographical limitation on production and official recognition of historical and cultural significance.

Currently, India and Pakistan have 65 and 35 per cent shares of Basmati in the world rice trade, respectively. Basmati rice fetches Pakistan around $800 million to $1 billion annually.

The source explained that the relevant rules confer the right to oppose the Indian application pursuant to Article 51 of the Regulation (EU) No 1151/2012 by Dec10, 2020.

The notice of opposition should contain a declaration that the application might infringe the conditions laid down in the regulation after which the commission will forward the notice of opposition to the relevant authority or body without delay. If the notice of opposition is lodged with the commission and is followed within two months by a reasoned statement of opposition, the commission will check the admissibility of this reasoned statement of opposition.

Within two months after the receipt of a reasoned statement of opposition, the commission will invite the authority or person that lodged the opposition and the authority or body that lodged the application to engage in appropriate consultations for a reasonable period that will not exceed three months.

https://www.dawn.com/news/1587985/two-law-firms-shortlisted-to-fight-for-pakistans-basmati

 

[MenInG]

Pakistan is all geared up to thwart India's attempt to obtain branding rights for Basmati rice, The News reported.

Advisor to PM on Commerce Abdul Razza Dawood said on Friday that the government had prepared a detailed response in the matter and would submit it before the European Union Commission on December 10.

He hoped the Indian's claim on Basmati rice would be rejected in totality. "The decision is expected within a one-year period," he added.

We are in possession of many documents which we will present as documentary proof to the EU Commission to prove Basmati rice is our brand, the advisor told The News.

Dawood said India's stance on Basmati rice was impossible to prove since Pakistan possessed every proof to foil their attempt. "The first statement will be submitted on December 19, the application will be submitted in the second round."

"I met with the attorney general yesterday to ensure we hire a good law firm to present our Basmati case before the EU commission."

Pak-Afghan transit trade

Dawood is scheduled to travel to Afghanistan on a two-day trip on November 16 to kick-start negotiations on the revision of the Afghan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA).

Reflecting that Afghanistan was a tough negotiator, the advisor still hoped the revised agreement would be finalised in three to four months.

"Smuggling of goods into Pakistan is a major concern and Islamabad has conveyed its list with the Afghan authorities."

New market
When asked about the market access after the recent US elections, he said that the new US government would take some time to settle down but getting market access from Washington was not an easy task yet Islamabad would continue its efforts to get increased market access.

CPEC
When asked about the establishment of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) under CPEC, he said that it requires a lot of spadework and acquisition of land is a provincial subject. He said that the SEZ at Dabeiji would be quite crucial because land scarcity was hampering Karachi’s industrialists. Once SEZ at Sundar became successful, its model would be replicated.

He said Faisalabad’s SEZ was operating and 10 to 15 units were in the process of relocation. “It would be great if Pakistan would be able to relocate 1,000 Chinese units at Gwadar or other SEZs in Pakistan,” he added.

Economic revival post-coronavirus lockdown
To another query about the export targets, he said that the government wanted to fetch $27 to $28 billion exports of goods and services during the current fiscal year. He said that he used to give a range of export targets for the current fiscal but after the second wave of outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic, he was a bit reluctant to give any figure. When asked again, he replied that for export of goods, our target stood at $22 to $23 billion and for services $5 billion, so in totality exports of goods and services could fetch $27 to $28 billion.

He said it was not good to rely on five traditional sectors of exports, so the government had prepared the Strategic Trade Policy Framework (STPF) for focusing on pharmaceutical, engineering, agro products, meat and poultry. Our policy is product diversification within sectors like textile and then increase in other sectors. He said that fruits and vegetable exports had so far fetched $750 million as mango and keno exports were the major contributors. He said the export of mango was targeted at 80,000 tons but it went up to 125,000 tons in the current season.

Our second focus is on geographical diversification to boost up exports to Africa, Central Asian Republics and Russia and other states. Then the government decided to come up with Look Africa policy as one consultant was coming to Pakistan soon in order to exploit the situation. “We are giving a target of $5 billion exports to Africa,” he added. In Africa, our engineering products such as tractors are going and also rice.

When asked why exports were not increasing at the desired pace, he replied that it was not easy task for increasing exports as when this government came into power and he had gone to Faisalabad, everyone was saying that Pakistan was passing through de-industrialization whereby manufacturing units were closing down. The analysis was done to ascertain the reasons and it was found that the rupee was overvalued and secondly the tariff structure was flawed. He recalled that the government did not focus on boosting up exports in the last five years. When reminded by this scribe that the last government had given an export incentive package, he said that the-then government had given export package in 2017 after which the export position witnessed a little bit improvement and declining trend was stopped but exports remained stagnant.

He said that the stuck-up refunds and duty drawback on local taxes and levies (DLTL) were paid back to exporters and so far the government had provided over Rs 200 billion amount and the backlog was cleared substantially. Secondly, he said the cost of doing business was reduced and 40 percent raw material could be brought into Pakistan at zero rated duty. It means there is zero Customs Duty, Additional Customs Duty and Regulatory Duty on 40 percent raw material coming into Pakistan through imports. The imports were reducing mainly through massive reduction in non-essential imported items.

Now the economic activities are picking up as large scale manufacturing had turned into positive as cement sale was making records. The motorcycle sale has achieved the highest-ever record in the history of the country, he added. The overall LSM growth has transformed from negative to positive in the current fiscal year, he maintained. He said that exports improved by six percent in July 2020 compared to the same month of the last year. However, exports turned into negative in August 2020 because of increased number of holidays and severe rainfall that choked activities at ports.

The international demand also contracted in the aftermath of Covid-19 pandemic. The Pakistani manufacturing units have exhausted their capacity after running at full capacity, he added.

https://www.geo.tv/latest/317293-pakistan-gears-up-to-thwart-indias-claim-on-basmatic-rice

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: While Pakistan is fighting its case in the European Union against the Indian move to get Basmati rice registered as its product, the commodity is still not registered as a local product in the country.

Laws require that before applying for registration of any product at the international market it has to be protected under the geographical indication (GI) laws of that country.

However, there are no rules of the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act, 2020, enacted in March this year; as a result, Basmati is not yet a protected product in Pakistan.

A rice exporter told Dawn that the exporters, particularly the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, had been urging the government since early 2000 to formulate the GI laws.


India claims before EU sole ownership of commodity

“The laws were finally made in March this year, but the authorities have not yet framed the rules of GI law. As a result many local exportable products cannot be registered anywhere in the world with Pakistani GI tagging,” the exporter said. “Even now the pressure of the case at the EU is driving the authorities to finalise the rules for GI law at the earliest,” he added.

The issue of protecting Basmati rice as a product of Pakistan came to the forefront after India submitted an application to the European Union claiming sole ownership of the commodity in September this year.

In its application India has claimed that “Basmati” is special long grain aromatic rice grown and produced in a particular geographical region of the subcontinent.

After highlighting the brief history of Basmati rice, India also claimed that the region is a part of northern India, below the foothills of the Himalayas forming part of the Indo-Gangetic plain.

Incidentally, the issue was pointed out to the ministry of commerce and its attached department, the Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO) of Pakistan by the rice exporters after observing the details of fresh applications at EU website.

Since the case was placed for public hearing and invitation of objections, the matter was taken up by the authorities and Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood held a meeting in October.

Eventually, the Indian claim at the EU was challenged earlier this month and the main argument by Pakistan was that basmati rice was a joint product of India and Pakistan.

Pakistan exported 500,000 to 700,000 tonnes of basmati rice annually to different parts of the world out of which 200,000 to 250,000 tonnes is being shipped to EU countries.

Meanwhile, responding to a query IPO Spokesman Meesak Arif said that the rules of GI law were at the final stages and were likely to be notified soon.

“The rules are in the printing process and will be notified by the commerce ministry soon,” Mr Arif said, adding that the government had authorised the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) as the lead agency regarding Basmati rice.

Soon after the rules were notified, the TDAP would file for the GI protection of basmati rice in the country, which would eventually make the case of Pakistan at the EU and elsewhere strong, he added.

Published in Dawn, December 28th, 2020

 

[Down2Earth]

Absolutely pathetic how lethargic the government is being on this.

 

[MenInG]

ISLAMABAD: After the registration of Geographical Indications (GI) for Basmati rice, Pakistan has now decided to register pink salt as its GI product in order to stop India from registering the same as Himalayan salt.

As Pakistan is already fighting a case regarding the GI tagging of Basmati rice against India in the European Union, Islamabad fears that Delhi may register pink salt as its GI product the same way it did regarding Basmati rice.

According to details, officials of the Ministry of Commerce held a meeting with the office bearers of Intellectual Property Organisation (IPO)-Pakistan on Thursday; wherein it was decided that government will register pink salt under the Geographical Indications Act, 2020. The meeting, chaired by Adviser to Prime Minister on Commerce Razak Dawood, also had IPO Chairman Mujeeb Ahmed Khan in attendance.

During the meeting, the officials deliberated upon potential products for GI registration so as to curb the unauthorised use of Pakistani products by other countries.

“After the registration of rice, we have decided that pink salt from the salt range mountains of Pakistan will be registered as GI,” the adviser stated following the meeting, adding that this move will encourage and motivate local producers to expand their business at a global level.

“For this purpose, a registrant will be designated with the approval of the federal cabinet,” he said. “At the same time, other products [for GI registration] will be pursued on a priority basis.”

He urged the business community to identify products that could be registered as GI in order to protect them from global exploitation.

Reiterating the importance of GI registration of various products, Dawood said that the registration of GI products will serve as a potential economic tool to promote and enhance national and international trade of Pakistan.

In Pakistan, GI law can protect products including Hunza apricots, Charsadda (Peshawari) chappal, Multani halwa, Hala’s Ajrak, Sargodha’s kinnow, Kasuri methi, Sindhri mango, Dir knives, Swat wild mushrooms, Nili-Ravi buffalo, Chaman grapes, dates from Dera Ismail Khan, Turbat and Khairpur, Pashmina shawls, etc.

According to documents available with this scribe, geographical indication is a broad term that includes indications of source and appellations of origin. An indication of source means any expression or sign used to indicate that a product or service originates in a country, region, or location where the product originated, such as ‘Made in Pakistan’.

The terms of registration for an authorised user of a geographical indication will be for a period of 10 years from the date of filing of an application for registration. This exclusive right over the use of GI will be extendable for another 10 years.

https://profit.pakistantoday.com.pk...C9FEjVMNGY2Y8Iw6ZP-79Lg#.YC6Ti6w3oRE.facebook

 

[MenInG]

KARACHI/NEW DELHI: Although long-time rivals India and Pakistan are already locked in a slew of land and sea disputes, exporters from both sides have agreed to share ownership of the region's prized Basmati rice, the best solution to the issue to reach the EU markets.

India has filed a claim in the EU seeking a geographical indication tag for Basmati rice, a move opposed by neighbouring Pakistan, which has filed its own request for protected geographical indication.

A geographical indication is a label applied to products with a specific geographical origin that has qualities or reputation essentially based on the natural and human factors of their origin.

Pakistani and Indian exporters, however, believe that joint ownership of Basmati is the only viable solution to the dispute.

"There has to be joint ownership, which is a logical solution to the dispute," Faizan Ali Ghouri, a Karachi-based rice exporter, told Anadolu Agency.

New Delhi and Islamabad have long been claiming to be the origins of Basmati rice, which is largely produced in both countries. The Punjab province, which was divided into East Punjab (India) and West Punjab (Pakistan) in 1947, is the origin of Basmati rice.

"There is no logic in both countries' claim for the sole exclusivity. Although its origin is Pakistani Punjab, it is grown in both sides of the border," Ghouri said, adding: "Therefore, a joint ownership is the only viable solution to the long-standing dispute."

The EU buyers, he contended, also prefer the joint ownership of the rice as they want to keep both New Delhi and Islamabad on board in terms of commodity exports.

"A joint ownership is in their (EU buyers) own interests for two reasons. First, demand for Basmati has been increasing over the past three years, and second, they want an alternative in case one country's production is reduced," he added.

Endorsing Ghouri’s views, Ashok Sethi, director of Punjab Rice Millers Export Association in India, said the two neighbours should jointly protect the Basmati heritage.

"India and Pakistan are the only two countries, which produce Basmati in the world. Both countries should jointly work together to save heritage and protect the geographical indication regime of the rice," he told Anadolu Agency.

"Hundreds of thousands of farmers (on both sides) are associated with the production of Basmati. We need to protect their businesses," he maintained.


No objection

In 2006, the EU under its special rules recognised Basmati as a joint product of the two countries.

Pakistan exports 500,000-700,000 tons of Basmati rice to different parts of the world, with 200,000 to 250,000 tons shipped to EU countries, according to data by the Pakistani Commerce Ministry.

Pakistan annually earns $2.2 billion compared to India's $6.8 billion from Basmati exports.

Vijay Setia, a New Delhi-based exporter, said India has a "healthy" competition with Pakistan vis-a-vis Basmati exports, and has no objection to Islamabad getting its own geographical indication tag.

"Both countries export Basmati rice. India, in its application to the EU, has never stated that it is the only Basmati producer in the world," he asserted while talking to Anadolu Agency.

"We have always said it is a joint heritage of property of India and Pakistan," he said. However, Pakistan feels it is lagging behind India, and it will capture the market if Delhi gets approval sooner, he went on to argue.

Muzzamil Chappal, another Karachi-based exporter, said that India did not produce Basmati until 1966.

Basmati seeds, he claimed, had been taken to Indian Punjab from Pakistan somewhere around 1965.

It was 2016-17 when India first time tried to obtain ownership of 1121-type Basmati in the EU, according to Muzzamil.

However, he added, the move was countered after Pakistan filed a similar claim. The second Indian move in 2020 was again foiled by Islamabad's counter-claim, he added.


"The row is leading to joint ownership, in my opinion," he maintained.

Origin history

Nathi Ram Gupta, president of the All India Rice Exporters Association, opined that Pakistan should not have raised any objection to India's geographical indication claim.

"We would have had the geographical indication tag by now if Pakistan had not objected," he said.

According to Ghouri, the Pakistani exporter, the Basmati seed 370 was first registered during the British colonial rule in 1933, which acknowledged Kala Shah Kaku town of Pakistan's Punjab as its origin.

Waris Shah, a Punjabi Sufi (mystic) poet from Jhang district, also mentioned Basmati in his famous poem Heer-Ranjha based on the traditional folk tale of Heer and her lover Ranjha.

"Waris Shah was the first to use the word Basmati in written form," Ghouri asserted.

 

[MenInG]

Pakistani rice traders are reportedly unhappy after they found out that Pakistani rice is being sold in the international market with a "made in India" tag.

Speaking to Deutsche Welle (DW) a German international broadcaster, the Managing Director of Charagh Group of Companies Khalil Ahmed said that "Indians in Muscat, Saudi Arabia, and Dubai purchase rice from us but sell it under their own brands and labelling."

Pakistan's rice export association has filed a lawsuit against Indian rice purchaser companies in an international court. But since the case is still pending in court, the association has declined to speak with DW about the matter.

According to rice traders, the issue is not just about branding.

Ahmed explained that as a result of crop cultivation when farmers sow the seed, rice becomes scarce in the market, which naturally increases the price of rice. Once the crop has reached maturity, the farmer begins harvesting.

He stated that 10% to 20% of paddy is broken during the reaping process due to a lack of modern equipment. Once the rice crop reaches the mills, the crop must be dried and husked, which requires more modern machinery.

Similarly, the rice breaks during the process and all of these factors add to the cost.

This year, Pakistan will export 36 million tonnes of rice to a lot of different countries, with basmati rice accounting for 20% of the total.

Germany faces similar trademark issue
Balima, a company that produces balsamic vinegar in Kale, a small city in Germany, also filed an appeal in court, claiming that they wish to use the term "balsamic vinegar" for their brand, which is a specialty of Italy.

Theo Barel, the founder of Balima, told DW that he is unable to understand why companies that purchase grapes from all over the world can call their product balsamic vinegar,

"But we, at Balima, purchase fresh fruits and use them in our product, but are not permitted to call it balsamic vinegar," he said.

Theo won the case at the European Court of Justice and now sells his product to restaurants throughout Europe.

GEO

 

[BouncerGuy]

India's basmati rice exports to fall as Pakistan's surge

Mumbai: India's basmati rice exports are likely to fall in 2024 after nearing a record high last year, as rival Pakistan is offering the grain at competitive prices amid a rebound in production, industry officials said.

India and Pakistan are the leading exporters of the premium long-grain variety of rice, famous for its aroma, to countries such as Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.

India's exports of basmati rice surged 11.5 per cent from a year earlier to 4.9 million metric tons in 2023, just shy of the record high of 5 million tons hit in 2020, on lower supplies from Pakistan and stocking efforts by importing countries, industry officials said.

Basmati rice shipments helped the world's biggest rice exporter to garner a record $5.4 billion in 2023, up nearly 21 per cent from the previous year, because of higher prices, government data showed.

"Last year, buyers were hustling to stock up when Pakistan was facing production issues. This year, however, Pakistan offers lower prices than India due to increased production," Vijay Setia, a leading exporter based in Haryana state of India, said.

SOURCE: REUTERS