Industry Minister Pledges GI Law to Protect Indigenous Products

Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Gauri Kumari Yadav has expressed commitment to bringing a law on Geographical Indication (GI) to protect and promote Nepal’s indigenous and traditional products.

During a courtesy meeting on Thursday between Minister Yadav and Ken Shimizu, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative for Nepal, discussions focused on ensuring branding, protection, and international recognition for unique and indigenous goods produced in various geographical regions of Nepal.

In the meeting, FAO Representative Shimizu noted that while most countries globally and nearly all nations in Asia have already implemented GI systems, Nepalese indigenous products remain unprotected internationally due to the lack of legal framework in Nepal.

He mentioned that in the absence of GI registration, brands associated with Nepal's traditional products are being registered by other countries, causing direct economic and commercial losses to Nepal. He stressed that the government must promptly establish clear legal provisions to implement the GI system to prevent such occurrences.

In response, Minister Yadav stated that the Ministry is committed to drafting the necessary legislation for the identification, protection, and market promotion of Nepal's native products. She clarified that initial steps have already been taken and that, in coordination with the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, a bill related to GI will soon be prepared and moved forward.

Once the GI system is implemented, unique Nepalese products—such as Ilam’s orthodox tea, Jumla’s Masi rice, Palpa’s Dhaka cloth, and Bhojpur’s Khukuri—are expected to gain legal protection and distinct identification at the international level.