People increasingly interested in GI goods, but unaware of economic impact: Experts

The common people's interest in geographical indication (GI) products has grown over the years, but they are still largely unaware of the economic impact of these goods, intellectual property rights experts noted at a discussion session.

The discussion was held at the state-run Bangladesh Institute of Management (BIM) main campus in the capital yesterday (14 April) to mark the Pahela Baishakh.

The participants urged officials of BIM to conduct research on the economic values of Bangladeshi GI products, which can uphold the unique national identity at home and abroad, as well as their market potential.

To this end, initial steps were taken at the event for relaunching the training on intellectual property rights at BIM.

Ministry of Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman, BIM Director General Rashidul Hassan, and BIM Research Division Chief Mohammad Sayeedur Rahman were present at the event, among others.

In the discussion, it was highlighted that people's interest in GI products has increased, necessitating training programmes for boosting new product registrations. 

Zamdani saree was the first product to get GI registration in 2015, but it was the registration of Tangail saree that boosted public interest in GI goods, discussants said. Media outlets played a particular role in raising awareness for GI products.

It was stressed that producers have to band together to better exploit international market opportunities. To increase the demand for GI goods, stakeholders must also work towards preparing relevant web content, including GI food products in restaurant menus, and increasing the use of GI product tags, the discussants said.

Following the discussion session, an exhibition of GI products was held on the BIM campus.