BEIJING — The bilateral agreement between China and the European Union (EU) on geographical indications (GI) is of milestone significance in deepening China-EU economic and trade cooperation, China's Ministry of Commerce said on Nov 7.

The deal marked the first comprehensive and high-level bilateral agreement on GI protection signed by China, said Gao Feng, spokesperson for the ministry, at a news conference.

GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.

The agreement is expected to prevent counterfeiting of GI and enable consumers on both sides to eat and use authentic high-quality products, Gao said.

The GI agreement has provided a strong guarantee for relevant Chinese products to enter the EU market and enhance their brand awareness, he said.

According to the agreement, Chinese products have the right to use the official certification mark of the EU, making it easier for companies to export relevant products to Europe.

At the same time, as some Chinese GI products originate from underdeveloped areas, the agreement will help China's poverty alleviation in these areas, Gao said.

China is willing to work with the EU to implement the GI agreement, promote bilateral economic and trade cooperation and enhance the well-being of the people on both sides, Gao said.

"We are also willing to continue to work with the European side to safeguard the rule-based free trade system, jointly build an open world economy and push forward economic globalization," he said.