Industries Minister Nurul Majid Mahmud Humayun on Monday asked Deputy Commissioners (DCs) to prepare a list of Geographical Indication (GI) products.
"DCs should support entrepreneurs in making world-class products," he said in response to a proposal of deputy commissioners at the Ministry of Industries session during the second day of the ongoing Deputy Commissioners' Conference in the city.
Humayun said despite shortages and complaints, Bangladesh is performing satisfactorily. "As the government keeps a close eye on commodity prices, all of us need to practice frugality," he added.
GI is a special name or symbol used for a material which is determined by the geographical location or source (such as a country, region or city) of a particular item.
Geographically recognized materials ensure certain quality standards or specific manufacturing systems or specialities. The biggest advantage of GI products is the branding of products in the global market, which puts GI products ahead of any other equivalent product.
Department of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (DPDT) recognizes and certifies GI products under the Ministry of Industry under the norms of the International Property Rights Organization (WIPO).
In 2013, the Geographical Indication Products (Registration and Protection) Act was enacted. In 2015, the DPDT called for the registration of GI products after the formulation of the Act.
So far, Bangladesh has the ownership of a total of 31 GI products.