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Farmers fears unfounded as WTO entry boosts agriculture
(China Daily)
Updated: 2009-11-30 07:46
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China's Minister of Agriculture Sun Zhengcai and ex-EU Health Commissioner Markos Kyprianou. |
"In reality WTO entry has spurred China to further modernize its agriculture sector in order to increase agricultural productivity and improve produce quality which are important contributions to a wider policy of rural development," said director Yin Weijing.
"Following closely the developments of the EU-China Agriculture Dialogue since 2006, the EUCTP has supported the dialogue's priorities and coordinated both with the efforts of EU member states and international organizations on the development of the agriculture sector in China."
EUCTP activities have focused on supporting government efforts to modernize agriculture and promote rural development policies, identifying the role of agricultural technology and systems, biotechnology, as well as the development of Geographical Indications (GIs) in China.
"GIs are agricultural products which can demonstrate unique characteristics derived from their local region of production, including any traditional production method. GI registration of agriculture products is a form of intellectual property protection and can lead to strong benefits for local and regional economies where GI development goes hand in hand with quality enhancement, IP protection and product marketability," Bartley explained.
Well established GIs in Europe such as "Parma Ham" or "Champagne" have transformed local rural economies. Similarly, China has much to gain from promoting its many hundreds of local GI products and has the potential to become a major trader of GI products globally.
The EUCTP has provided strong technical support under the memorandum of understanding between the EU and China which resulted in the first official exchange of GI applications whereby 10 Chinese and 10 European GI files were prepared for formal registration in the respective territories. The EUCTP has also produced a publication of basic laws and regulations of GI protection in China and a manual on European best practices in GI administration.
(China Daily 11/30/2009 page15)
