EU-China Sign Bilateral Agreement to Protect Geographical Indications

Irish Whiskey and Panjin Rice Expected to Receive Protection

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jin-gyu Lee] The European Union (EU) Commission announced on the 14th that the EU and China have signed a bilateral agreement to protect Geographical Indications (GIs).

Geographical Indications refer to labels that specify products originating from a particular region, province, or country when the quality, reputation, etc., of the product essentially derive from its geographical origin.

Under this agreement, 100 items from each side, including Irish whiskey and Panjin rice, are expected to be protected.

This agreement follows the mutual consent reached last November and is expected to come into effect early next year after approval by the European Parliament and formal adoption at the EU summit. Four years after the agreement takes effect, an additional 175 items from each side will be added.

The EU Commission stated that this agreement "will strengthen trade relations between the two sides and benefit the agricultural and food sectors as well as consumers on both sides."

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