CAMBODIA SEEKS GEOGRAPHICAL INDICATION (GI) RECOGNITION IN CANADA
07/10/2025
Cambodia has made significant progress in the area of geographical indications (GIs), with internationally recognized products such as Kampot pepper and Kampot-Kep salt gaining protection under the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement. These registrations have not only safeguarded Cambodia’s unique agricultural heritage but also enhanced the commercial value of its local products in international markets. Building on this success, Cambodia is now seeking to expand its GI protection to new jurisdictions.
During a recent strategic meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, Cambodia initiated discussions with Canada to explore opportunities for securing GI status for its distinctive products. The dialogue between Ouk Pracha, Secretary of State for Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce and Chair of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC), and Konstantinos Georgaras, Director of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, revealed the growing need for broader international recognition. The key challenge lies in ensuring Cambodian products receive adequate protection and recognition in competitive foreign markets such as Canada, which are crucial for enhancing trade and curbing fraudulent imitations.
Canada formally encouraged Cambodia to make use of its GI registration system and provided an overview of the registration process. The Canadian delegation emphasized the multiple benefits of GI protection, including enhanced market value, strong consumer recognition, and robust legal safeguards. This collaboration also aims to support small- and medium-sized enterprises, encourage research and innovation, and promote greater IP cooperation across the ASEAN region. As a mark of its commitment, Canada has agreed to send a representative to join the AWGIPC, further strengthening bilateral ties.
This initiative marks a promising step for Cambodia in expanding its intellectual property portfolio, which currently includes seven registered GI products and eight potential national collective brands. With bilateral trade between Cambodia and Canada already witnessing a 20% rise to $637 million in the first half of this year, enhanced GI protection is expected to further boost trade relations, empower local farmers and producers, and ensure long-term sustainability for Cambodian heritage products in international markets.
Nandini Kohli