More products seek GI status
The European Union is expected to include Kampong Speu palm sugar into its registry of protected geographical indicators products by July, with the government now hoping the increased demand and added value of Cambodian agricultural products would pave the way for Kampot salt to receive the same treatment. If the EU accepts the Cambodian application for GI status, Op Rady, director of the intellectual property department at the Ministry of Commerce, said that it would show that the Kingdom’s domestic production can achieve the same quality distinction bestowed to Champagne or Parmesan cheese. However, he added that it was not an easy process for products to make it into the GI registry, costing millions in marketing and promotions as well as several years of development before they gain international acclaim.
