Premier Li Keqiang sent a congratulatory message to the opening ceremony of the 8th Worldwide Symposium on Geographical Indications, which was held in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province. State Councilor Wang Yong addressed the conference.

Wang said geographical indication(GI) is an important intellectual property rights, and its protection and utilization are key to promoting economic and social development, as well as protecting cultural heritage.

“The Chinese government has constantly strengthened the protection of geological indications over the years, with active guidance being conducted towards the using of indication-related trademarks, which has facilitated the transnational circulation of geographical indication products,” said Wang.

The state councilor urged further efforts in reinforcing the publicity of geographical indication, improving trademark management, and strengthening coordination mechanism between different regions.

He also called on all countries to expand sharing, strengthen cooperation and reach consensus to construct more fair and reasonable international rules concerning geographical indications.