Logo for Geographical Indications will be Developed within the Twinning Project – 6th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Project was Held

Steering Committee of the EU funded Twinning Project on “Establishing Efficient Protection and Control System of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Georgia” gathered for the sixth time, during which the Action Plan for the next 6 months and the implementation reports of the previous period (6 months) were considered. The Project envisages rendering assistance to Georgia in development of the unique marketing tool, the geographical indications system and the full-fledged application of the benefits related to it. The meeting of the Steering Committee was attended by all parties involved in the Project: Delegation of the European Union to Georgia, management and staff members of the partner office, representatives of the Embassies of France and Italy in Georgia.

Due to the additional necessities arisen as a result of global pandemic and the related constraints, it was decided together with the partners to extend the Project for additional 7 months. The relevant document was signed on December 1, 2020 and it will ensure as much effective implementation of the Project as possible. Within the project, training is planned for Sakpatenti staff members on the procedures of registration of geographical indications, mechanisms of certification and exertion of control. It is also planned to hold joint training with the participation of Sakpatenti, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture of Georgia and the National Wine Agency, aimed to familiarize with the activities of the French-Italian geographical indications committees and commissions and share their work experience.

Action Plan covers the study of the measures required to eliminate the facts of counterfeiting of geographical indications goods in online space, elaboration of a specific plan and sharing the experience of Italy, as a successful example in this direction.

To popularize the geographical indications system and raise awareness in this field, plan of activities has been elaborated within the Project in cooperation with the Delegation of European Union and member states, which envisages creation of videos, tutorials and animated videos. Along with this, within the Project, the logo for geographical indications will be developed in order to allow customers to identify the goods of the specific quality.

Twinning Project on “Establishing Efficient Protection and Control System of Geographical Indications (GIs) in Georgia” (GE/16 ENI EC 0318) aims to facilitate development of the geographical indications and appellations of origin system in Georgia and its harmonization with the GI protection system existing in the European Union. In addition, it includes creation of the administrative and institutional mechanisms, which will strengthen the capacity and deepen the knowledge in the given field. The project as well as enshrines increasing the role of producers’ associations and unions in the development of the GI system.