EPCs Should Work to promote GI Products
Union Minister of Commerce & Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu held meeting with representatives of various Exports Promotion Councils (EPCs), including Plantation Boards, Fragrance and Flavour Centre and Airport Authority of India in New Delhi. The Minister elaborated on the action plan for branding and marketing of the Geographical Indications (GI) products and asked the EPCs to align with the Ministry of Commerce for promotion GI products.
The Minister also asked the EPCs to set up GI stalls at major international airports and organize international fairs to popularize GI products globally. In this connection, he called for creating awareness among consumers about the GI products. Suresh Prabhu said that the promotion of GI products will connect the local artisans with the global markets, which in turn will give them opportunity at the international level and help entire value chain grow.
It will also improve their livelihood. A separate policy will be put in place for the governance of Greenfield airports, branding and promotion of GI products and redressal of related grievances, the Minister said. Though the date for setting up first GI stall is yet to be finalized, Suresh Prabhu suggested that the 2nd October, the birth day of Mahatma Gandhi, could be chosen for it.
The Ministry is working towards the promotion and marketing of Geographical Indications of India with a vision of supplementing the income of farmers, weavers, artisans and craftsmen. To achieve this, ministry have recently launched the GI logo & tagline and framed an Action Plan.
