EU to launch talks with China on protection of geographical terms

14/09/2010 12:00 - 465 Views

BRUSSELS, Sept. 10(Xinhua) -- European Union (EU) trade ministers agreed on Friday to launchnegotiations with China on the protection of geographical terms for wines andfoodstuffs such as champagne and Scotch whisky.

The European Commission, the EU'sexecutive arm, would be mandated to carry out negotiations with China on behalfof the EU member states.

If the deal is signed, the EUhopes its famous drinks and foods produced locally such as champagne and Scotchwhisky would be protected in China.

That would mean that similarChinese products can no longer use geographical terms such as champagne andScotch, referring to places in France and Britain where the products come from.

Currently, geographical terms areprotected by the EU but not outside the 27-nation bloc.

2010-09-10 20:12:06

Editor: Tang Danlu

Source: English.news.cn