Hanoi (VNA) – “Geographical Indication: NaturalHeritage and Vietnamese Culture”, a new book collated by the National Office ofIntellectual Property under the Ministry of Science and Technology, will bepublished later this month.

The book, built under the framework of the “Support the Development of GeographicalIndication in Vietnam” project, will offer readers anoverall look into the quality, reputation, traditional values, and origin ofproducts bearing geographical indication.

It will be also a useful reference tool for State management agencies, organisations,and individuals, contributing to the introduction and promotion of Vietnamesegeographical indications to domestic and international consumers.

All over the world, developing geographical indication has become a strategy toraise consumer awareness and promote heritage values formed from natural andcultural conditions, ultimately improving the competitiveness of traditionalproducts.

There are around 10,000 protected geographicalindications around the world, with annual trade value estimated at 50 billionUSD.

In Vietnam, with the advantages of nature, diversity of traditional culture,experience, diligence, and ingenuity of the people, the country boasts many traditionalagricultural products and handicrafts imbued with the variety in Vietnamesecultural identities. Among them, many products are the key items from theirlocalities, and are already known widely in domestic and foreign markets.

In recent times, Vietnam has built up legal corridors and regulations, as wellas effective measures to support the registration and management of geographicalindication. This has helped to develop and promote speciality products,increasing their value and competitiveness in the market.

By June 2018, 60 geographical indications in 39provinces and cities were protected, helping localities gradually affirm their positionin producing and trading their specialities.

The book “Geographical Indication: Natural Heritage and VietnameseCulture” will update and introduce these 60 protected geographical indications,such as Phu Quoc fish sauce, Shan Tuyet tea in Moc Chau, Buon Ma Thuot bean coffee,Doan Hung pomelo, Binh Thuan dragon fruit, Lang Son star aniseed, Thanh Ha lychee,Phan Thiet fish sauce, and Vinh orange, among others. –VNA