Bangladesh needs foreign accreditation to boost GI exports: industries secretary

Accreditation needs to be secured from certification authorities in importing countries to enhance the export potential of high-value geographical indication (GI) products registered in Bangladesh, Industries Secretary Md Obaidur Rahman said.

"Our products are no less qualified in terms of quality and taste," Rahman said at the 10th SME Development Working Committee meeting of Business Initiative Leading Development (BUILD) held at the industries ministry on September 11.

"However, they often face hurdles with foreign port authorities due to the absence of proper certification. Without an understanding with certification bodies in importing countries, a GI tag alone will not be enough."

He also highlighted the importance of creating associations of GI producers, where BUILD could play a role, and stressed the need for proper visual documentation to establish rights and raise global visibility.

Rahman urged the private sector to take the lead, saying the government can only provide policy support.

In a keynote, Wasel Bin Shadat, research director of BUILD, said Bangladesh has registered 60 GI products since 2016, including Jamdani, Muslin, Hilsa and Khirsapat mangoes.

However, around 90 percent of the applications are government-driven, limiting producer ownership and commercial impact.

He recommended approving a GI tag, adopting a national commercialisation and marketing strategy, selecting high-potential products with export targets, and strengthening certification and traceability systems.

Representatives from government agencies, business bodies and development partners also shared views on strengthening protection and value addition for GI products.