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
Extensive practices
GIs prevent the
standardization of food
and offer a wider choice to
consumers
In Europe, price of a GI
product is more than twice
as the price for a comparable
non-GI product
Preservation of landscapes
and biodiversity
Example : Comté cheese
GIs provide guarantees for
the consumers (origin,
authenticity, quality,)
Positive impact on tourism
France :
around 700 GIs
turnover : 21 b €
1 farm out of 4
15 % F&B sector
Inside : open space
Outside : woody landscape
As an important part of our
culture, GIs contribute to :
rural development, social
cohesion and preservation
of national patrimony
(local know-how,
tradition,…)
Adoption of regulations on GIs
in ASEAN
(2014 ?)
(2012)
(2003)
(2014 ?)
(2014)
(2001)
(2007)
(2014)
(2006)
Development of GIs in ASEAN (1/2)
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
Vietnam
Chonnabot Mudmee
Thai Silk (Thailand)
Thailand
Malaysia
Phu Quoc fish sauce
(Vietnam)
Indonesia
Cambodia
Kintamani coffee
(Indonesia)
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
0
2001
More than
120
registered
GIs in
ASEAN
countries
Development of GIs in ASEAN (2/2)
Sabah tea
(Malaysia)
Jepara carving
furniture (Indonesia)
Kampot pepper
(Cambodia)
Khao Hom Mali Thung Kula
Rong Hai rice (Thailand)
Binh Thuan dragon
fruit (Vietnam)
Chiang Rai Phulae
pineapple (Thailand)
What Potential for GIs
in Myanmar ?
How to start ?
• Adoption of a national regulatory framework
• Draft law on trademarks (including a chapter on
Regulation geographical indications) by MOST
• National survey on potential GI products
• Identification of priority GIs
Priorities • Technical assistance to producers
• Communication on geographical indication
towards producers and consumers
Promotion • Study on success stories
Thank you for your attention !
sebastien.bouvatier@dgtresor.gouv.fr