Pakistan has approved ten agro and non-agro products for Geographical Indication (GI) tag in an effort to claim them as its brands in the international market.

The move follows India's attempt to label Basmati rice as its exclusive brand in the European Union market, Tribune reported.

The agricultural and nonagricultural products which the Ministry of Commerce has proposed for GI registration in the first phase include Chaunsa Mango, Sindhri Mango, Kinnow, Hunza Ruby, Swat Emerald, Kashmir Tourmaline, Skardu Topaz, Skardu Aquamarine, Peridot Stone and Peridot Valley.

The process of GI registration for the 10 Pakistani products has begun after the cabinet gave its go-ahead last month.

Pakistan enacted the Geographical Indications (Registration and Protection) Act 2020 in March 2020 to ensure the registration and effective protection of the country’s products.

Basmati rice was registered on January 21, whereas the process for giving GI protection to Pink Rock Salt commenced a month later on February 22,.

A number of other Pakistani products can also be protected under the GI Act 2020.

The ministry has picked Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) and Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) for registering these products.

The Ministry of Commerce tabled a proposal in last month's cabinet meeting where it sought approval for registering these products as brands of Pakistan.

(SAM)