Since 2013, the year when the Government of Bangladesh passed the GI Act, only 11 products received GI certification. On the other hand, our neighbouring country India’s GI list includes almost 500 products. Even Thailand, a country with half the population of Bangladesh, has around 200 products on its GI list. It is clear that Bangladesh is lagging far behind and we must act without further delay to include more products on our GI list. The whole process is neither easy nor difficult. The GI registration process requires extensive research, data collection and proper documentation. To ensure the success of this process, we must develop courses on GI product documentation at the university level.
At present, universities and higher educational institutions around the country are offering thousands of courses under various programs. Hence, starting a course on GI will not be very difficult. These institutions are offering so many courses and they can develop such a course on a limited budget. The GI course could be made compulsory or optional under the economics, marketing, or business administration program. Now is the time to do it without delay. If we try seriously in 2023, then we can develop a complete course.Now the question is why a subject on GI should be taught in universities. The answer is, for the sake of our economic interest. We know that when a product gets Geographical Indication certification, domestic demand for that product increases resulting in more sales and job creation. Since it is district based, the more products from each district get GI certification, the more overall transaction would increase thus impacting our GDP.
More importantly, much of our economy is Dhaka-centric. If at least 4 or 5 products from almost all 64 districts get GI certification, then it will bring economic benefits to those districts. Therefore, for the sake of the economy, universities should introduce courses on GI. To do that, first of all, we have to develop a course curriculum and content.
Eastern University Bangladesh Recently organized a seminar on GI Products in Bangladesh
For several years we have been talking about export diversification. Our exports mainly revolve around ready-made garments, leather and fish. We do not export many products and the government has been trying to diversify our export.GI products can play a crucial role in export diversification. For example, several varieties of Bangladeshi mangoes have either received or are in the process of receiving GI certification. If we look at other countries around the world, we will notice that prices of fruits increased in many countries and the demand for exporting those fruits has increased. Hence, the producers are getting a premium price. Therefore, there are no other alternatives to introducing GI courses at universities to achieve export diversification.In our country, policymakers or planning ministry officials who are involved in developing five-year plans should know about GI products. This is because regional development does receive much priority. While allocating the budget for a district, they seriously consider RoI. From that perspective, when a product of a particular district receives GI certification, sales of the product will increase which in turn will help the local economy to grow. So, there is a clear connection between GI and the economy. If we can properly invest in GI, it will create a huge impact on our economy in the long term. This is true not only for Bangladesh but all the countries around the world.
That is why we have to consider this matter very seriously. Developing a three-credit course of 100 marks will suffice. For one semester, university students will study GI- the law, necessity, and the process. The course can be introduced under the economy, or management, marketing, or Bangladesh studies curriculum. It does not matter which department. By doing the course, university students will develop their skills thus creating a steady supply of persons with in-depth knowledge of GI.
Now, comes the matter of the GI course curriculum. As mentioned earlier, the curriculum will cover all the necessary areas of GI- discussion on the GI Act, necessity, and application process.
The writer is the President of EDC
