The current situation in the field of geographical indications (GIs), appellations of origin (AO) and traditional specialties guaranteed (TSG) in the Republic of Moldova, the challenges faced by system users, and the possible solutions that would contribute to the development of this system were discussed during a high-level meeting held on 6 February.
The event was organized by the State Agency on Intellectual Property (AGEPI) and the EuropeAid/137467/DH/SER/MD Technical Assistance Project “Support to Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights in the Republic of Moldova”.
The meeting was attended by heads of competent authorities with attributions and responsibilities in the field of geographical indications, High-Level European Counselors from public authorities, as well as experts from the Member States of the European Union.
The conduct of the meeting was determined by the existence of deficiencies in the system of protection and promotion of products with geographical indications, appellations of origin and traditional specialties guaranteed, especially the lack of bodies or institutions to check the compliance of agri-food products with geographical indications. In the absence of such certification bodies, the Republic of Moldova cannot produce, commercialize and export products with GIs, AO and TSG, which have potential for the development of the national economy.
Thus, the purpose of the high-level meeting was to identify optimal solutions to ensure the viability of the system of protection and promotion of products with geographical indications throughout the value chain.
The meeting was chaired by Lilia Bolocan, Director General of AGEPI, who noted that the Agency has made and will continue to make strong efforts to create in the Republic of Moldova a strong system of protection and promotion of geographical indications, appellations of origin and traditional specialties guaranteed.
Also, the AGEPI Director General made a brief presentation of the current situation in the field of geographical indications in the Republic of Moldova, especially with reference to the issues addressed during the meeting.
Further on, project expert Dariusz Goszczynski spoke about policies and practices for developing the geographical indications system based on Polish experience and other EU Member States and provided recommendations on how to implement them in the Republic of Moldova.
Subsequently, the participants in the meeting exchanged views on possible solutions to overcome the impediments to the establishment of an efficient system for the production and promotion of indigenous products with geographical indications.
