GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATIONS SUMMIT
FROM ANATOLIA TO WORLD
According to universal description, geographical indication (GI) is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. The basic qualities that determine these unique products identified with a certain region; they are typical and quality products and have a certain reputation and recognition.
"Geographical Indication", which has an intellectual property right and an official quality mark, adds marketing power to the product. Phrases such as "Malatya Kayısıs (Malatya Apricot)", "Ankara Bagel (Ankara Simidi)", "Afyon Kaymağı (Afyon Cream)", which are protected by the registration of Geographical Indications, become a sign of a certain quality.
Geographical Indication term literally translates into the response to question "What is famous in your hometown?
The promotion and preservation of products under the heading of geographical indication means cultural and commercial "rebirth" for rural communities, providing countless possibilities, from gaining high economic benefits to promoting quality production and transforming their own lands into a brand.
The Ankara Chamber of Commerce carries out studies on the concept of geographical indication and products with a geographical indication in order to contribute regional development, increase the producers' capacities and revenues and provide new trade opportunities to its members. Ankara Chamber of Commerce, which is one of the largest non-governmental organizations in Turkey with its 140.000 members, carried out a series of GI applications. As a result of this endeavour, Ankara's 4 products received GI certification and 6 other products' application dossier are being prepared .
II. International Geographical Indications Summit" was held between 19-21 September 2019 and organized by Ankara Chamber of Commerce (ATO). The Summit attracted the attention of the public with its sessions, training programs, fairs and events. 3 day long Summit was visited by 57 thousand participants, which marked a record as being the largest event ever held in Turkey on geographical indications.
105 institutions and organizations opened stands at the ATO Congresium Congress and Exhibition Center with the honor of First Lady Mrs. Emine Erdoğan and the Minister of Industry and Technology Mr. Mustafa Varank. During the Summit, Geographical Indications were discussed in depth by 12 sessions and 63 presentations, a total of 83 speakers, 25 of which were foreigners. In addition, 2,765 participants obtained certificates.
As Ankara Chamber of Commerce, we are determined to continue our national and international efforts in this field as our main goal, to move forward our studies in the field of geographical indications which holds a market value of over 200 billion dollars and to create new export markets by providing added value to the products of our local producers.
