Cambodia explores opportunities to secure GIs in Canada
08 August 2025
Cambodia explores opportunities to secure GIs in Canada
Following a strategic meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, Cambodia is exploring opportunities to secure geographical indication (GI) status for its unique products in Canada, as discussed during a dialogue between Ouk Pracha, secretary of state for Cambodia’s Ministry of Commerce, and Konstantinos Georgaras, director of the Canadian Intellectual Property Office.
A primary outcome of the meeting was Canada’s formal encouragement for Cambodia to utilize its GI registration system. The Canadian delegation provided a comprehensive overview of the process, emphasizing the commercial advantages of GI protection, including increased market value, distinct consumer recognition and robust legal safeguards against fraudulent imitation.
Pracha, who also serves as chair of the ASEAN Working Group on Intellectual Property Cooperation (AWGIPC), highlighted Cambodia’s success in this area, citing internationally protected products like Kampot pepper and Kampot-Kep salt under the Geneva Act of the Lisbon Agreement.
The collaboration aims to promote small- and medium-sized enterprises, foster research and innovation, and enhance IP cooperation across the ASEAN region. As a sign of commitment, Canada will send a representative to join the AWGIPC.
This partnership is bolstered by a significant 20 percent rise in bilateral trade, which reached $637 million in the first semester of this year.
The Cambodian Ministry of Commerce remains dedicated to expanding its IP portfolio, which currently includes seven registered GI products and eight potential national collective brands, to support local farmers and producers.
- Excel V. Dyquiangco
