Successful 6th Edition of the International Conference on Geographic Indicators and Branded Distribution Services – GIDS
The event, organized by the World Trade Point Federation – WTPF, brought together nearly 400 representatives of intellectual property services organizations, industry associations, municipal and state governments.
The Conference was held in the framework of the China International Trade Fair for Services (CIFTIS) in Beijing and focused on “Strengthening Geographical Indication Brands and Enabling Rural Revitalization”. During the event, concepts and ideas on GI protection, utilization, management, and innovative marketing were discussed and exchanged.
Ms. Liu Hua Liu Hua, Director of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) Office in China, attended the Conference and underlined in her speech the importance of GIs, as well as WIPO’s close collaboration with China in this regard. With the support of the WIPO China Trust Fund, several GIs have been successfully introduced into international markets through the strategic creation of GI trademarks.
In his speech, Mr. Bruno Masier, President of the World Trade Point Federation – WTPF, underlined the importance of safeguarding geographical brands and proactively promoting local brands. He particularly emphasized that these efforts would have a positive impact on employment generation and poverty alleviation, in line with the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – UNCTAD was present at the opening of the conference via videoconference by Mr. Stefano Inama, and the presence of the European Union Delegation, in the person of Wojciech Ptak, First Secretary and Agriculture Counsellor.