Geographical Indications (GIs) are indications of products whose qualities or reputation is attributable to their place of origin. However, in Vietnam, GIs are underused by value chain stakeholders, who do not understand the concept. In addition, consumers do not recognize GIs. The project therefore aims at support an efficient use of GIs in Vietnam

• Duration: 2015 - 2018
• Study sites: Binh Phuoc, Quang Tri (Vietnam)
• Funding: AFD

This three year development project worth US$1.3 million, funded by the French Development Agendy, in favor of the National Office of Intellectual Property (Ministry of Science and Technology) is implemented with the technical assistance of Rudec, Casrad and Cirad, aims to improve the geographical indication system in Vietnam.

The project incorporate the experiences of European countries including France and other Asian countries to help build Vietnam an improved geographical indication system in particular in terms of registration and management (building up a GI producers association, drafting of the geographical indication specification, controls, labelling, marketing), by evidencing how geographical indications can be incorporated to increase the commercial viability of agricultural products, for the sake of producers but also consumers.

While working on the whole geographical indication system of Vietnam, the project also focuses on two pilot products: the pepper from Quang Tri and the cashew nut from Binh Phuoc. The main issue is to empower local stakeholders of the value chain of those two products and have them participating in the GI process.