Geographical Indication certificates help increase value of Vietnamese farm produce
Geographical Indications (GIs) are considered an effective tool to promote the export of Vietnamese agricultural products. Therefore, building brands for Vietnamese agricultural products associated with geographical indication protection has become an important direction to enhance value and affirm brands for local specialty products in the domestic and international markets.
Nguyen Van Bay, Deputy Director of the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam, said that GI protection has proved effective in increasing the value and reputation of many products. Typically, Meo Vac mint honey of the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang, after being protected by geographical indications, has seen its price double. Similarly, that of Phu Quoc fish sauce has risen by 30-50%, Phuc Trach grapefruit by 30-35%, Cao Phong orange and Vinh orange by more than 50%.
Geographical indications are also considered as a “passport” for Vietnamese lychee to gain access to many demanding markets such as Australia, France, the US, and Japan.
