Geographical Indicators Promising Brand Recognition

May 20 , 2023


[ssba-buttons]

A sign used on products with a specific geographical origin that translates to qualities or a reputation was presented as a viable tool for enhancing brand recognition and garnering higher profit for manufacturers last week. Dubbed Geographical Indicators (GI), Fabrice Pinnard (PhD) availed several registration modalities and the utility to producers attending the presentation. With over 9,200 products registered worldwide from 40 member countries, the expert from the Cirad icipe coffee program indicated increased addition of value on production and across the value chain. He said GI-registered products garner 2.2 times as much as non-registered ones when they sell in the European Union, while the prospect of increased earnings was suggested for Ethiopian products like coffee, leather and honey. Solomon Getu, secretary of the Ethiopian Leather Industries Association, was showcasing Ethiopian Highland Leather (EHL) at the event organised at the Embassy of France. He said EHL is a leather product marked by a superior molecular structure. Solomon is hopeful GIs would be ideal for the country's leather industry as the unique texture is already garnering attention from fashion houses in Italy and the UK.


Radar

Construction Sector Faces 'Serious Trouble,' Minister Warns

The construction industry in Ethiopia is in "serious trouble," said Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban & Infrastructure Development, citing major challenges with finance, competitiveness and material costs. Speaking at the opening of the BIG 5 Construct Ethiopia expo and the inaugural East African Infrastructure & Water Expo at Millennium Hall last week, Chaltu stressed the need for concerted efforts from government, private sector, and international partners to support the 67 billion dol...


Radar

Wegagen Bank, Gift Real Estate Partner to Promote Diaspora Homeownership

Wegagen Bank S.C. and Gift Real Estate Plc. signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on June 23, to offer housing loans for homebuyers, with a special focus on the Ethiopian diaspora. The agreement enables eligible diaspora members to access loans covering up to 80pc of a home's value at reasonable interest rates. The bank's Deputy CEO Kidane Gebreselassie noted the deal will promote the real estate sector and expand homeownership options. Founder and CEO of Gift Real Estate, Gebreyesus Igata...


Radar

Jimma University Signs Sports Science Agreement to Strengthen National Programmes

Jimma University has signed a four-party Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ethiopian Academy of Sciences, Derartu Tulu Sports Training & Research Institute, and the Oromia Youth & Sport Bureau to advance Ethiopia's sports science and training capacity. Signed on June 26, the agreement includes joint research, shared facilities, and hosting of national and international competitions. It is expected to strengthen youth development, public health, and national pride through coor...