MARD promotes development of geographical indications and trademark of agricultural product

Currently, Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD) has requested specialized agencies to develop trademarks for major items, including: rice, coffee, Tra fish and shrimp, and develop geographical indications for special products of localities to protect and register trademark of Vietnam's agricultural products.

Luc Ngan Litchi (Bac Giang province) is one of the fruits that have been registered geographical indications. Photo: T.N

According to the MARD, by the end of 2017, Vietnam protected 58 geographical indications, including 52 geographical indications of Vietnam and 6 geographical indications of foreign countries; 33 provinces/cities had protected geographical indications; 11 provinces/cities had 2 protected geographical indications such as Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Son La, Lang Son, Binh Thuan…

Products are developed and protected by geographical indications, including fruits, fishery, rice; Processed products such as fish sauce, shrimp paste, and handicraft products such as Hue’s conical leaf hat, Nga Son sedge mat.

The geographical indications are gradually proving the important role in agricultural and rural development, contributing to preserving traditional cultural values, biodiversity and promoting the development of production and trade, and enhancing added value for Vietnam’s agricultural products.

The MARD’s representative said that the Ministry requested specialized agencies to develop trademark for major items, including: rice, coffee, Tra fish and shrimp, and develop geographical indications for special products of localities to protect and register trademark of Vietnam's agricultural products.

Specifically, Vietnam’s tea trademark has been registered and protected in 73 countries and territories. However, MARD has also said that due to not being thoroughly implemented, so tea products were still exported in crude form, causing Vietnam’s tea products to be mixed with other tea products or named by big foreign tea companies.

Vietnam’s Rice Trademark has been completed for the procedures for National Trademark Registration and has the regulations on the use of Vietnam's national rice brand (in Decision No. 1499/QD-BNN-CBTTNS dated 2 May 2018), and is applying for the international trademark registration under the Madrid system.

In addition, MARD added that localities developed geographical indications for Hai Hau Eight oval rice (Nam Dinh); Dien Bien Rice (Dien Bien); Bay Nui Eight oval rice (An Giang); Hong Dan Rice (Bac Lieu); Kinh Mon Rice (Hai Duong); Dong Trieu Rice (Quang Ninh); Nang Huong Cho Dao Rice (Long An); Soc Trang rice (Soc Trang).

For fruits: The geographical indications have been registered such as for Thanh Ha litchi (Hai Duong); Luc Ngan litchi (Bac Giang); Cho Lach Rambutan, Green-skin grapefruit (Ben Tre); Hoa Loc mango, Cat Chu mango (Dong Thap); Tangerines (Tra Vinh) ...

For fishery products: Most of the big fishery products processing enterprises have built their own trademark for their products for export. In addition, traditional products of localities have been registered geographical indications such as Phu Quoc fish sauce; Hau Loc shrimp paste; Ha Long Fried squid; Chau Doc fish sauce; Dong Hoi Fish Sauce.

For Coffee: The geographical indications for Buon Ma Thuot coffee was registered in 2005 and in 17 countries and territories and protected in 10 of 17 countries, and it is applying for protected geographical indications in the EU.

For pepper: Some geographical indications have been registered such as: Chu Se Pepper; Phu Quoc pepper; Loc Ninh pepper and Quang Tri pepper.

For cashew: The geographical indication for Binh Phuoc Cashew is being registered, by the end of 2018, Binh Phuoc Cashew product is expected to be considered and protected with geographical indications.