What potential for geographical indications in Myanmar? Investing in Sustainable Agriculture in Myanmar What potential for geographical indications in Myanmar? Yangon – July 20, 2014 Sébastien BOUVATIER Agricultural Counsellor for ASEAN countries French Embassy in Singapore Regional Economic Department/ French Embassy in Singapore 101-103 Cluny Park Road, Singapore 259595 Tel: + 65 6880 7878 Fax:+ 65 6880 7880 http://www.ambafrance-sg.org
GI : a definition Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS – 1994) Article 22 : «Geographical indications are […] indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a Member [=country], or a region or locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or other characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographical origin.» Source: World Trade Organization (WTO)
GI : a link between nature, culture and a product Geographical area + Specific product + Causal link = GI Natural environment (topography, climate, soil,…) Producers (tradition, know-how) Specific product (quality, reputation)
An example of GI : Champagne Geographical Indication = Specific area (climate, limestone subsoil, gently sloping landscape,…) Intellectual property protection Name «Champagne» is not reserved to 1 single owner (TM), but can be used by all producers respecting the specifications + Protection against infrigements : + Product specifications (grape varieties, pruning method, maximum yield, wine growing method,…) Benefits for the producers, consumers and society at large
GIs and sustainable development Benefits of geographical indications Economy Environment Society Differentiation on the market = better price In Europe, price of a GI product is more than twice as the price for a comparable non-GI product Positive impact on tourism France : around 700 GIs turnover : 21 b € 1 farm out of 4 15 % F&B sector Extensive practices Preservation of landscapes and biodiversity GIs prevent the standardization of food and offer a wider choice to consumers GIs provide guarantees for the consumers (origin, authenticity, quality,) As an important part of our culture, GIs contribute to : rural development, social cohesion and preservation of national patrimony (local know-how, tradition,…) Example : Comté cheese Inside : open space Outside : woody landscape
Adoption of regulations on GIs in ASEAN (2014 ?) (2012) (2003) (2014 ?) (2006) (2014) (2001) (2007) (2014)
Development of GIs in ASEAN (1/2) More than 120 registered GIs in ASEAN countries Chonnabot Mudmee Thai Silk (Thailand) Phu Quoc fish sauce (Vietnam) Kintamani coffee (Indonesia)
Development of GIs in ASEAN (2/2) Sabah tea (Malaysia) Kampot pepper (Cambodia) Binh Thuan dragon fruit (Vietnam) Jepara carving furniture (Indonesia) Chiang Rai Phulae pineapple (Thailand) Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula Rong Hai rice (Thailand)
What Potential for GIs in Myanmar ?
How to start ? Regulation Adoption of a national regulatory framework Draft law on trademarks (including a chapter on geographical indications) by MOST Priorities National survey on potential GI products Identification of priority GIs Technical assistance to producers Promotion Communication on geographical indication towards producers and consumers Study on success stories
Thank you for your attention ! sebastien.bouvatier@dgtresor.gouv.fr