Swiftly following yesterday’s post,
on a historic IP development on the African continent (as
expected), this hibernating Leo adds that Morocco and the
European Union have reached agreement
on Geographical Indications (GIs). Delighted representatives
from both sides said:
"This agreement gives relations between
the European Union and the Kingdom of Morocco a new impetus. It reinforces our
partnership, aiming at promoting and protecting quality products, benefiting
farmers and industries in both Morocco and the EU. Agriculture constitutes an
important chapter of our bilateral cooperation, notably in the 2013-2017 Action
Plan, which constitutes the roadmap of our cooperation for the years to come.
Cooperation in the field of geographical indications is part of our mutual commitment
for a quality agriculture that preserves local products", said EU
Agriculture and Rural Development Commissioner Phil Hogan 
According
to EU Trade Commissioner Cecilia Malmström, “the
EU and Morocco are very close trading partners. The negotiations concluded
today will be an incentive for even more trade and investment. The protection
of Geographical Indications is a win-win – it will make it clear to consumers
where products come from, so that they can make an informed choice. It will
also increase the quality of products and bring additional revenue to farmers.
Furthermore, today’s deal is an encouragement for both the EU and Morocco to
continue our negotiations towards a Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.”
"This agreement provides a real opportunity for our
growers and especially the smaller ones who have real authentic know-how to
maximize the added value of their production" declared
Moroccan Agriculture Minister Aziz Akhannouch."
GIs can bring considerable economic benefit to a country if the necessary system(s) can be set up, easily, and managed properly. A number of African countries, eg Uganda (with a little nudge), are now taking GIs seriously. Afro Leo, a geography/trade expert, believes he can make sense
of these deals having considered that North Africa (particularly Morocco) is in
close proximity to Southern Europe (especially Spain and Portugal). This Leo,
however, is cautiously
optimistic about the ‘win-win’.
Previous related Afro-IP posts on the EPO and EU:
- South Africa, EU and the GIs are here
- The U.S. isn’t happy with South Africa-EU GIs plan here
- Sadly, our IP-friendly Morocco doesn’t yet have an IP policy here
- OAPI and the EPO tie the knot here
