The unique ’10 plus 10 project’ started in July 2007, when the EU and China formally lodged applications for the protection of 10 agriculture GIs in each others’ territories.
The EU’s Protected Geographical Indication scheme promotes and protects names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs, while at the same time encouraging diverse agricultural production. Over 3,200 food, wine and spirits products have been granted special GI status in the EU.
In China, the Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (ASQIQ) has its own GI register, to which 10 European quality products, including three British specialities, will now be added.
The dossiers of both the EU and Chinese products have been treated and examined on each side according to the exacting standards for approval set out in law and administrative procedures, including the right of any interested party to oppose registration.
The whole EU list comprises:
The announcement has been made during the visit to China this week of European commissioner for agriculture and rural development Dacian Ciolos. His visit encompasses the promotion of quality European food and drink products carrying the GI status, as well as the official launch of the flagship EU-China Trade Project, one of the EU’s biggest ever trade programmes.
EU-Chinese trade in agricultural products has increased substantially in recent years, with EU exports in 2010 rising 50% for 2009 levels.
Source: European Commission
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