13/7/2007
EU and China to develop markets for quality products with Geographical Indications (GIs)

The European Union and China took a major step in their cooperation to protect top quality products, as they exchanged this week, at a meeting in China, applications for the protection of geographical indications (GIs) on 10 products each from the European Union and China.

It is the first time that the EU and a third country have started an initiative to register a national group of GIs. The two sides will now process the applications based on the principles of equal, reciprocal and national treatment.

The 10 EU products to be registered in China are: West Country farm cheddar, White stilton cheese/blue stilton cheese, Scottish farmed salmon, Prosciutto di Parma, Grana Padano, Pruneau d'Agen/Pruneaux d'Agen mi-cuits, Roquefort, Comté, Sierra Mágina and Priego de Córdoba. The 10 Chinese products are: Dongshan White Asparagus, Guanxi Honey Pomelo, Jinxiang Garlic, Lixian Yam, Longjing Tea, Longkou Vermicelli, Shaan'xi Apple, Zhenjiang Vinegar, Pinggu Big Peach and Yancheng Crayfish.

The exchange this week concludes work which began in November 2006 and is based on a Memorandum of Understanding signed between the EU and China in September 2005. Both sides agreed to continue and strengthen the administrative cooperation in this area