GI Tagging and Kashmir Economy

GI Tagging of Products has assumed much significance for all the economies of the world . It is more important in case of places like Kashmir wherein we produce unique and high quality products. The handicrafts and agriculture products of Kashmir are known throughout the world for there great quality.
As a matter of fact ,  Geographical indication (GI) is a name or sign used on products which corresponds to a specific geographical location or origin (e.g., a town, region, or country). The use of a geographical indication, as an indication of the product’s source, acts as a certification that the product possesses certain qualities, is made according to traditional methods, or enjoys a good reputation due to its geographical origin.On the other hand , India as as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), enacted the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999 has come into force with effect from 15 September 2003. GIs have been defined under Article 22 (1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement as: “Indications which identify a good as originating in the territory of a member, or a region or a locality in that territory, where a given quality, reputation or characteristic of the good is essentially attributable to its geographic origin.Many Kashmiri products too have got the GI Tag . With an aim to promote Kashmiri saffron, which recently received the geographical indication tag, in the Middle East, the Jammu and Kashmir government for the first time launched the spice in the UAE market. 
To fight counter branding, about nine products of Jammu & Kashmir have been issued Geographical Indicator, GI Tags. The products include Kani Shawl, Kashmir Pashmina, Kashmir Sozani Craft, Kashmir Papier-Mâché, Kashmir Walnut Wood Carving, Khatamband, Kashmiri Hand Knotted Carpet and Kashmir Saffron and Basmati.
Expert pulse is the protection of geographical indications leads to the overall economic prosperity of the manufacturers and producers. Furthermore, the marketing and promotion of the products with the GI tags enhance the secondary economic activities in that specific region, which in turn boosts the regional economic development.