How GI products can drive sustainable export growth post LDC graduation

Geographical Indications (GI) offer countries the opportunity to identify unique goods and services that originate from specific regions, possessing distinct attributes, qualities, and traditions. Many countries benefit significantly from global GI registration. 

For instance, GI-protected agri-food and drink products in the European Union have a combined sales value of €74.76 billion. The United States, China, and Singapore account for half of the export value of EU GI products.

Bangladesh, while not yet fully benefiting from GI, holds considerable potential if the system is properly leveraged. The Jamdani Saree was the country's first GI product, registered in 2016. Since then, the number has grown to 51, including around 33 food and fruit items, with the rest mainly comprising textiles. The relevant authority has indicated that more registrations are in progress.

GI is an important mechanism for preserving a nation's cultural heritage and traditional knowledge. It can drive economic development by creating a unique identity for products, adding value for the communities that produce them. However, ownership must be substantiated with proof of origin, supported by evidence and data, to establish international recognition.

According to data from the Ministry of Industries, 45 of the registered GIs were applied for by government entities such as district commissioner (DC) offices, the Bangladesh Handloom Board, Water Resources Department, BSCIC, Jute Research Institute, Agricultural Research Institute, and Fisheries Department. However, private sector associations, local communities, and actual producers are not adequately reaping the benefits of GI registration.

For example, bronze ornaments from Gopalganj have been produced by local artisans for generations. Though a group of businesses profits from their sale nationwide, the local community remains unaware of their brand value. 

The GI registration, initiated by the district's DC, has sparked enthusiasm among artisans to innovate and develop new designs. 

These products' distinctive qualities often stem from inherited traditional knowledge, which plays a crucial role in their uniqueness. Local communities must now push for better raw materials and compliance with quality standards to enable both domestic and international sales. Government support for research and product development is also essential.

In 2018, the Bangladesh Restaurant Owners Association registered Bogurar Doi (GI No. 29). Though this sweet dish is popular across the country, it had not previously been treated as a GI product. The GI Act 2013 facilitated its registration, providing formal recognition to the community. 

However, they still require guidance on maintaining quality, meeting standards, and ensuring compliance. Thus far, there have been no significant efforts toward Sui Generis legal mechanisms that would ensure independent protection for GIs, anchoring the link between product and origin.

A similar case is Atar of Moulvibazar, registered in 2019 (GI-33), an initiative led by the Bangladesh Agar Atar Manufacturers and Exporters Association. Another is the Haribhanga Mango of Rangpur, initiated by Alhaj Abdus Salam Sarkar of Haribhanga Am Krishok School. 

Though initial registration steps have been taken, more work is needed to achieve tangible economic benefits. These efforts require support from the Ministry of Industries (MoI), Export Promotion Bureau, BSTI, the Ministry of Commerce, and others.

The GI Act of 2013 governs the registration and protection of GI products in Bangladesh. According to Chapter IV, Paragraph 16, registration is valid for five years and can be renewed for up to three additional years. A fee is imposed for registration and renewal. Many authorised users lack the capacity or information to renew their registrations, which risks losing the momentum gained. 

For example, the Jamdani Saree, registered in September 2015, has surpassed its five-year validity. BSCIC, as the owner, must motivate users to renew in accordance with the law. While GI tags can add value for customers, local consumers are not yet ready to pay a premium, although they often favour products from specific regions.

To fully realise GI's potential, the current Act must be updated to address existing gaps. Areas such as protection of traditional knowledge, rights of indigenous communities, quality control, and cross-border GI protection need attention. Furthermore, provisions for logo use, protection of processed products, registration of appellations of origin, clarity in the relationship between registered proprietors and authorised users, and enforcement powers for DPDT must be included.

For international protection, GI products must be registered in each market jurisdiction through bilateral agreements. Bangladesh could utilise instruments such as the Lisbon Agreement and the Geneva Act of 2015. Joining this agreement is vital for the international protection of appellations of origin (AO). 

Before this, Bangladesh must invest in research on its GI products to determine their global appeal and inform consumers about the geographical origins and quality attributes.

Bangladesh is now exporting mangoes to China, including GI-registered varieties like Khirshapati Mango of Chapainawabganj, Haribhanga Mango of Rangpur, Fazli Mango and Langra Mango of Rajshahi. Recently, China's customs authority approved mango imports, paving the way for exports of other fruits such as jackfruit. Continued export of high-quality, GI-tagged produce could significantly enhance their international market value.

Innovations based on Traditional Knowledge (TK) can be protected under patents, trademarks, GI, or even as trade secrets. Many communities have passed down traditional medicinal knowledge for generations. For instance, the use of herbs and totka remedies in rural areas could be preserved through policy. 

Products like the Manipuri Saree of Sylhet, Nakshikantha of Jamalpur, and Khadi of Cumilla reflect long-standing traditions and can become valuable national assets if properly utilised.

Bangladesh is currently amending the Trademark Act 2009 to align with international standards. The revisions will incorporate the Madrid Agreement (1891) and Madrid Protocol, facilitating international trademark and collective mark registration. This will also enable GI products to be registered as collective marks, making the process more cost-effective across up to 131 countries.

Meanwhile, the Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) has issued public notices inviting GI applications. This is a positive step in raising awareness and encouraging producers to register. DPDT is also set to launch a GI Tag User Policy outlining rules for the use of the GI label on registered products.

Establishing dedicated souvenir shops in tourist hubs, airports, and other high-traffic areas could enhance awareness and sales of GI products. The SME Foundation and BSCIC can support awareness campaigns, organise workshops and seminars, and provide training in quality control, marketing, and networking. This would help close the significant knowledge gap around Intellectual Property Rights (IPR), including GIs, among producers, consumers, and stakeholders.

However, DC offices cannot be expected to act as product developers. Community engagement and education are critical to fully leverage GI tags and realise economic gains for the regions involved. As Bangladesh aims to diversify its export portfolio beyond single products, GIs offer a promising path. But much work remains—reforming legislation, joining international agreements, improving standards, and ensuring tangible benefits for GI owners.

Ferdaus Ara Begum is the CEO of BUILD-a Public Private Dialogue Platform works for private sector development

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.