the goan I network
VASCO
Union Minister for Commerce, Industry and Civil Aviation Suresh Prabhu on Monday launched India’s first Geographical Indication (GI) store at Dabolim Airport and advised Tourism Minister Babu Ajgaonkar to send him a proposal so that he could promote the service sector in Goa.
He launched the nation’s first GI store in the presence of Ajgaonkar, Panchayats Minister Mauvin Godinho, TCP Minister Vijai Sardessai, MPs Narendra Sawaikar, Vijay Tendulkar, Mayem MLA Pravin Zantye and others at the GI Store in Dabolim Airport.
The store is located on the first floor of the Departure Terminal and jointly set up by Airport Authority of India (AAI) and The Cashew Export Promotional Council of India (CEPCI). The initiative to set up the GI store was taken by the department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industries, and the state’s industries department.
Many such GI stores showcasing local agricultural products and works of local artisans and self help groups will be opened across all airports in India. GI products mean that the product is the real identity for the state and a unique product belonging to a particular state,” said Prabhu.
“Rs 5000 crore has been assigned to the service sector and I appeal to Tourism Minister Manohar (Babu) Ajgaonkar to send me a proposal so that I can promote the service sector in Goa.”
“Some of the best processing companies from Japan, Korea, Scandinavian countries, Europe and America have agreed to set up processing units in India to make marine products as value added products, so that they can be marketed globally. Besides the airports, GI stalls will be set up at any place that could give good visibility and coverage to local products.”
Stating that the GI stalls are designed by the National Institute of Design which is among the best in the world, Prabhu said all GI stalls across the country would have the same design.
“There are certain products that are geographical and exclusive to the state which may not be available elsewhere.
“Currently, there are 270 GI registered products in the country and the store will be a boon for the global tourists. Goan Feni is one of the GI products, and Mankurad Mango is a local speciality. The AAI will soon sign an agreement with all the State governments in the country to promote their local produce at the airport,” the Minister told.
“We have 112 airports in India and there are another 100 coming up. All these airports will have a GI store showcasing local products of farmers, artisans, talents and self-help groups specific to the area.”
“Every tourist visiting Goa would want to take back something unique to Goa and this GI store will help. Usually these stalls at Airport are auctioned, but after talks with the State government, we have come with concessions so that only GI products will be showcased and the outlet is available to local artisans, youth and farmers.”
The union minister said the Centre has come with a policy for agriculture exports, so that farmers can progress and their products displayed at important locations, including outside India.
“The commerce ministry has already put up a proposal to have an overseas trade missions in all important countries, so that products can have a large market. I have also told the Indian Trade Promotion Organisation to make special stalls wherever there is any event across the world, so that products of farmers, artisans and self-help groups are displayed,” said Prabhu.
“Once a product is registered as GI, it cannot be copied by anybody else. Using any product by anyone registered under GI product to a different person will attract penalty. For example, many countries across the world make sparkling wine but no country can claim it to be champagne,” said Prabhu.
