More GI products on the cards

The government is pushing for more products with geographical indication (GI), counting on their uniqueness to add value to Thai goods and strengthen local economies, says the Commerce Ministry’s Intellectual Property Department.

Under the plan, the market value of GI products will rise from the current 3.5 billion baht a year, said department directorgeneral Thosapone Dansuputra.

He said Prime Minister Prayut Chano-cha wants all 77 provinces of Thailand to have their own products with GI certification to help create value within communities.

All but three provinces have registered GI products, with those three still in the registration process, Mr Thosapone said.

A GI product receives a distinctive certificate used to identify the product as originating in the territory of a particular country, region or locality.

The quality, reputation or other characteristics of the product are linked to the place of origin.

A GI designation reflects the unique characteristics and quality of a product, which in turn boosts market value in developed countries.

Mr Thosapone said Thailand abounds with culture diversity, resources, wisdom and local craftsmanship.

The country has many types of unique products that can be registered as GI goods, including food, fruits and handicrafts.

“After having many GI products to be promoted, the next challenge is how to keep up the standard of GI products,” Mr Thosapone said.

Once all 77 provinces have GI products, policies will be enacted to retain the quality and standards of GI products and prevent them being copied, he said.

The Intellectual Property Department plans to use QR codes on GI product labels to simplify tracking of goods and ensure authenticity.

“And we have had put in the law that those who make fake GI products will be fined 200,000 baht,” Mr Thosapone said.

At least 80 products from 74 provinces have been registered as GI goods.

Mr Thosapone said the Commerce Ministry will work with large retail stores such as Tops Supermarket to set up GI Corner spaces to display GI goods from various provinces.

The aim is to increase the visibility of Thai GI products and help their market value rise quickly, he said.

The Commerce Ministry has yet to set a target for growth in GI market value next year, but it expects the figure to be substantially higher than this year’s 3.5 billion baht.