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

Somali Region Advances Budget Independence as Revenues Rise

Somali Regional State is moving closer to fiscal independence, with nearly half its budget now funded locally. Officials point to rising agricultural output and stronger tax enforcement as key drivers behind growing revenues. The region plans to cover 32.5 billion Br from its own resources in the upcoming fiscal year. Communication Head Mohammed Abdi credited last year's tax collection of 18 billion Br, exceeding the 17 billion Br target, to agriculture, khat, and other taxable goods. The reg...


Radar

Environmental Protection Authority Shuts Down Polluters

Addis Abeba's Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has taken enforcement action against 3,249 manufacturers and service providers found violating environmental standards in the 2024/25 fiscal year. The violations, ranging from air and noise pollution to improper waste disposal, were identified during inspections of 14,872 businesses citywide. Penalties included warnings and closures, with shutdown orders issued to six plastic factories, 23 block factories, a soft paper plant, 102 nightclu...


Radar

Ministry Mandates Full Electronic Clearance for Top Taxpayers

Taxpayers under the Ministry of Revenues' Medium No. 1 branch will have to ditch paper filings and switch entirely to the e-Clearance system for non-audited services starting August 1, 2025. The mandate, routed through the Ministry's e-filing portal, is pitched as part of a broader push to modernise tax administration and advance the government's digital agenda. Officials say the platform lets users process clearance requests remotely via the Fayda national ID, cutting out manual paperwork. A...