In this undated file photo, a cargo train bound for Duisburg in Germany leaves Wuhan, capital of Hubei province. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
BEIJING - The bilateral agreement between China and the European Union (EU) on geographical indications (GI) took effect on Monday, a statement by the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) said.
The China-EU geographical indications (GIs) agreement was signed on Sep 14, 2020 after 22 rounds of official negotiations since 2011. It is China's first comprehensive, high-level bilateral agreement on GIs, said a statement by the Ministry of Commerce
GI is a label used for identifying the geographical origin of a product, and is an important type of intellectual property right. According to the agreement, 100 GIs from each side, involving liquor, tea, food and farm produce, came under protection on the same day.
ALSO READ: China-EU investment deal to secure open and fair markets for both sides
The second GI list, consisting of 175 GIs from each side, is set to go through protection procedures within the next four years.
The China-EU GI agreement was signed on Sept 14, 2020 after 22 rounds of official negotiations since 2011. It is China's first comprehensive, high-level bilateral agreement on GIs, the statement said, adding that the agreement will facilitate exports and imports of related products.
READ MORE: China remains EU's main trading partner
China became the EU's largest trading partner in 2020, with the bilateral trade volume reaching US$649.5 billion, MOC data showed.