The European Union and China have reached an agreement to protect one hundred Geographical Indications in each party from imitations circulating in their markets.
The agreement includes various European products made in different regions of the European Union, like Feta and Roquefort, Irish whiskey, Champagne, Porto wine and others. Products like Kalamata Olives and some olive oils from Crete and Spain are also included in the pact and will have their names protected from any usurpation in the Chinese market.
The European Union, in turn, will protect the names of one hundred Chinese food products currently available in the common European market, like the Panjin rice and the Anqiu Da Jiang ginger.
In four years, the agreement will be expanded to include 175 more Geographical Indications from both sides.
“European Geographical Indication products are renowned across the world for their quality,” Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan, said. “This agreement shows our commitment to working closely with our global trading partners such as China. It is a win for both parties, strengthening our trading relationship, benefitting our agricultural and food sectors, and consumers on both sides.”
The deal is expected to be finalized and signed by the two parties in the next few days.
- European Commission
- Politico
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