Latest news with #GeographicalIndications
Economic Times
3 days ago
- Business
- Economic Times
EU FTA to be comprehensive, not interim: Officials
Synopsis India and the EU are negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement. It will not include an early harvest deal. Discussions are ongoing regarding Geographical Indications. Investment protection is also being discussed. Both sides are addressing concerns like the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism. India may impose retaliatory duties if the EU imposes a carbon tax. The India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) is likely to be a comprehensive one without any early harvest deal or a pact on Geographical Indications or an investment protection agreement, officials said. ADVERTISEMENT The two sides are also discussing if any exemptions or carve-outs can be given to India on the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) and officials said talks on the issue were going on. "The FTA will be a comprehensive one. These are dynamic issues," said an official. India and the EU aim to close the negotiations for the trade pact by the end of December. Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said the talks can be concluded earlier than that but there are certain sensitive issues on both sides that must be negotiations for an Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications since June 2022 are also Delhi has concerns related to certain practices and regulations of the EU such as CBAM and EUDR while the bloc held that India's quality control orders were a challenge. "On CBAM, talks are going on," said another official. ADVERTISEMENT India has already said it will impose retaliatory duties if the EU imposes carbon tax on Indian goods. The EU's CBAM is expected to translate into a 20-35% tax on select imports into the bloc from January 1, 2026, and will impact the cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertiliser, electricity and hydrogen sectors. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (Catch all the Business News, Breaking News, Budget 2025 Events and Latest News Updates on The Economic Times.) Subscribe to The Economic Times Prime and read the ET ePaper online. NEXT STORY
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
EU FTA to be comprehensive, not interim: Officials
India and the EU are negotiating a comprehensive free trade agreement. It will not include an early harvest deal. Discussions are ongoing regarding Geographical Indications. Investment protection is also being discussed. Both sides are addressing concerns like the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism. India may impose retaliatory duties if the EU imposes a carbon tax. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) is likely to be a comprehensive one without any early harvest deal or a pact on Geographical Indications or an investment protection agreement, officials two sides are also discussing if any exemptions or carve-outs can be given to India on the EU's carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) and officials said talks on the issue were going on."The FTA will be a comprehensive one. These are dynamic issues," said an and the EU aim to close the negotiations for the trade pact by the end of December. Commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal said the talks can be concluded earlier than that but there are certain sensitive issues on both sides that must be negotiations for an Investment Protection Agreement and an Agreement on Geographical Indications since June 2022 are also Delhi has concerns related to certain practices and regulations of the EU such as CBAM and EUDR while the bloc held that India's quality control orders were a challenge. "On CBAM, talks are going on," said another has already said it will impose retaliatory duties if the EU imposes carbon tax on Indian goods. The EU's CBAM is expected to translate into a 20-35% tax on select imports into the bloc from January 1, 2026, and will impact the cement, iron and steel, aluminium, fertiliser, electricity and hydrogen sectors.
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Business
- Gulf Today
Irthi explores strategies to help empower artisans
In a move that underscores the significance of traditional crafts in supporting and developing the creative economy, a panel discussion titled 'Traditional crafts: identity, economy, sustainability', held as part of the "Make it in the Emirates" Forum, brought together leading national institutions and centres dedicated to crafts, heritage and culture to unify visions on the future of traditional crafts as both an economic and cultural force. Organised by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the discussion hosted Asma Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Creatives Development Sector at the Ministry of Culture; Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi; Salama Al Shamsi, Director of Cultural Sites at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi; Hind Al Mehairbi, Director of the AlGhadeer Emirati Crafts Project; Eng. Ghalia Al Manai, Head of Strategic Affairs at the General Women's Union, and Fayez Al Yamahi, Deputy Director General of Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment. The panel discussion served as a platform to explore strategies for empowering artisans both socially and economically, while discussing the role of innovation in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the traditional crafts sector and strengthening its visibility in local and international markets. A national registry for craftspeople Asma Al Hammadi emphasised that traditional crafts bring unique value and appeal to contemporary products, even when incorporated subtly, due to their profound cultural significance. She noted that the Ministry of Economy is actively safeguarding the intellectual property of local heritage products as a vital step to enhance their commercial presence both locally and internationally, through initiatives, including the Geographical Indications programme. The panel discussion under way. Al Hammadi also announced that the Ministry has launched a national registry for artisans to facilitate their access to international markets and integrate them into the creative economy. From traditional heritage to a sustainable economic contributor During the session, Reem BinKaram highlighted the pivotal role of Irthi, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, in transforming Emirati crafts into significant economic and cultural assets. She explained that this transformation is driven by a contemporary approach that expands local and international marketing opportunities. BinKaram noted that the Council began by supporting a single artisan and has grown to include over 500, supported through specialised training programmes and international partnerships that have positioned Emirati crafts on global platforms. She also highlighted Irthi's holistic commitment to cultural, economic and environmental sustainability, and commended its collaborations with leading brands such as Bvlgari, Asprey and Cartier, which have integrated artisans into the global creative economy and enabled them to build competitive local brands. Women artisans are guardians of heritage On her part, Eng. Ghalia Al Manai stated that the Heritage and Crafts Industries Centre, established in 1978 on the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak and with the support of the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is the first national institution dedicated to empowering Emirati women artisans. She noted that the Centre provides a supportive environment through monthly stipends and advanced vocational training across six specialised workshops focused on reviving traditional Emirati crafts, including Sadu weaving, Talli, palm frond weaving, textile production, tailoring and embroidery, and modern arts. Al Manai also highlighted the "Matjari" app, which markets products made by productive families and was recognised with the Government Summit Award in 2015. Marketing remains the biggest challenge During the session, Hend Al Muhairbi explained that since its establishment in 2006, the Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts Project has focused on economically empowering artisans by producing contemporary crafts grounded in traditional practices. She noted that the project extends beyond training and providing raw materials, taking responsibility for marketing the products locally and internationally through exhibitions and retail outlets to secure a sustainable income for its members. Digital potential for artisans Fayez Al Yamahi explained that the Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment, part of the Fujairah Charity Association, is dedicated to developing products by productive families as a means of economic empowerment. Al Yamahi also noted that the centre is preparing to launch a dedicated digital platform to strengthen artisans' online presence and create new opportunities for market growth and engagement. Irthi participated in the Make it in the Emirates Forum at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, which concluded on May 22, through a dedicated pavilion in the "Crafts and Innovation Zone".
Sharjah 24
22-05-2025
- Business
- Sharjah 24
'Traditional crafts' panel discussion explores sector's future
Organised by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, the discussion hosted Asma Al Hammadi, Acting Assistant Undersecretary for the Creatives Development Sector at the Ministry of Culture; Reem BinKaram, Director General of Irthi; Salama Al Shamsi, Director of Cultural Sites at the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi; Hind Al Mehairbi, Director of the AlGhadeer Emirati Crafts Project; Eng. Ghalia Al Manai, Head of Strategic Affairs at the General Women's Union, and Fayez Al Yamahi, Deputy Director General of Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment. The panel discussion served as a platform to explore strategies for empowering artisans both socially and economically, while discussing the role of innovation in ensuring the long-term sustainability of the traditional crafts sector and strengthening its visibility in local and international markets. A national registry for craftspeople Asma Al Hammadi emphasised that traditional crafts bring unique value and appeal to contemporary products, even when incorporated subtly, due to their profound cultural significance. She noted that the Ministry of Economy is actively safeguarding the intellectual property of local heritage products as a vital step to enhance their commercial presence both locally and internationally, through initiatives, including the Geographical Indications programme. Al Hammadi also announced that the Ministry has launched a national registry for artisans to facilitate their access to international markets and integrate them into the creative economy. This initiative aims to support the long-term sustainability of traditional crafts, elevate their cultural and economic value, and ensure their recognition as essential contributors to the nation's intangible heritage. From traditional heritage to a sustainable economic contributor During the session, Reem BinKaram highlighted the pivotal role of Irthi, chaired by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher Bint Mohammed Al Qasimi, wife of the Ruler of Sharjah, in transforming Emirati crafts into significant economic and cultural assets. She explained that this transformation is driven by a contemporary approach that expands local and international marketing opportunities. BinKaram noted that the Council began by supporting a single artisan and has grown to include over 500, supported through specialised training programmes and international partnerships that have positioned Emirati crafts on global platforms. She also highlighted Irthi's holistic commitment to cultural, economic and environmental sustainability, and commended its collaborations with leading brands such as Bulgari, Asprey and Cartier, which have integrated artisans into the global creative economy and enabled them to build competitive local brands. Women artisans are guardians of heritage For her part, Eng. Ghalia Al Manai stated that the Heritage and Crafts Industries Centre, established in 1978 on the directives of Her Highness Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak and with the support of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is the first national institution dedicated to empowering Emirati women artisans. She noted that the Centre provides a supportive environment through monthly stipends and advanced vocational training across six specialised workshops focused on reviving traditional Emirati crafts, including Sadu weaving, Talli, palm frond weaving, textile production, tailoring and embroidery, and modern arts. Al Manai also highlighted the "Matjari" app, which markets products made by productive families and was recognised with the Government Summit Award in 2015. She also emphasised the Centre's ongoing efforts to preserve the UAE's intangible cultural heritage through printed materials, digital content, and the "Al-Sana'" programme aimed at instilling Emirati values in younger generations. She also pointed to the Centre's international presence through global exhibitions and the "Batsa" brand, noting that the Centre's affiliated craftswomen are honoured as "guardians of heritage" to foster a sense of identity and encourage continued engagement in safeguarding traditional crafts. Marketing remains the biggest challenge During the session, Hend Al Muhairbi explained that since its establishment in 2006, the Al Ghadeer Emirati Crafts Project has focused on economically empowering artisans by producing contemporary crafts grounded in traditional practices. She noted that the project extends beyond training and providing raw materials, taking responsibility for marketing the products locally and internationally through exhibitions and retail outlets to secure a sustainable income for its members. Al Muhairbi identified marketing as the greatest challenge, as it is crucial in connecting artisans with their target audiences. She also highlighted plans to expand the project's presence by opening shops at prominent tourist destinations in Abu Dhabi. Digital potential for artisans Fayez Al Yamahi explained that the Ghars Centre for Social Empowerment, part of the Fujairah Charity Association, is dedicated to developing products by productive families as a means of economic empowerment. This is facilitated through strategic partnerships with both government entities and private sector organisations. He emphasised the centre's support for artisan mothers and efforts to market their products, commending the younger generation, especially girls, for their active role in promoting these crafts on social media, which has significantly boosted sales. Al Yamahi also noted that the centre is preparing to launch a dedicated digital platform to strengthen artisans' online presence and create new opportunities for market growth and engagement. Irthi participated in the Make it in the Emirates Forum at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, which concluded on May 22. through a dedicated pavilion in the "Crafts and Innovation Zone". The pavilion features selected works by its affiliated artisans, live workshops, and a virtual museum offering a digital archive of traditional crafts, highlighting their cultural and economic significance.
Business Recorder
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Export growth: Pakistan has strengthened its commitment to GIs: minister
ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan on Monday, reaffirmed Pakistan's strong commitment to promoting and institutionalizing its Geographical Indications (GIs) regime during the National Conference on Geographical Indications Awareness, jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Delivering the keynote address, the minister stated that GIs are more than just intellectual property tools — they are powerful instruments for protecting cultural heritage, enabling rural development, and creating new export opportunities. 'We stand at a critical juncture where Pakistan can elevate its identity in global markets—not just as a producer of commodities, but as a custodian of quality and heritage,' he said. He highlighted that Pakistan has so far registered 20 GIs, including globally recognized products such as Basmati rice, Chilghoza pine nuts, Sindhri mangoes, and Multani blue pottery, while applications for international protection are underway in key markets such as the European Union. The minister emphasized the need to build robust value chains based on certification, product specifications, branding, and traceability to deliver meaningful economic returns to producers. The conference was attended by a wide range of stakeholders from federal and provincial governments, development partners, registrants, chambers of commerce, academia, legal experts, and private sector end users. The forum served to raise awareness on the role of GIs in national development and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), enhance institutional coordination, and promote capacity building for GI identification, value addition, and marketing. The minister noted that 200 products have already been identified as potential GIs in Pakistan, and appreciated FAO's continued support—particularly through the TRI-Chilgoza project—in identifying four potential GI zones for Chilghoza pine nuts across Gilgit-Baltistan, North and South Waziristan, Sherani (Balochistan), and Chitral. He stressed that the GI system can contribute not only to economic growth but also to ecological sustainability and community resilience. He also shared that the Ministry of Commerce is working to establish a dedicated GI Registry and is in the process of developing a National Geographical Indications Protection Strategy, which will serve as a guiding framework for expanding and protecting GI products domestically and internationally. The minister called on all stakeholders to actively engage in the consultations and contribute to shaping an inclusive, effective GI ecosystem. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
