Currently, Bangladesh has 31 GI products, with applications for an additional 21 products in progress. To promote GI products in the international market, it would be appropriate for the government to engage its foreign embassies in the task. I suggest the following: The government can establish GI product galleries adjacent to the auditoriums or conference rooms of foreign embassies. These galleries would serve to showcase all the GI products alongside essential printed materials such as books, journals, and booklets containing comprehensive information about the products.
Embassies have the opportunity to procure GI products for their use, with Rangpur Sataranji serving as an excellent example. Given that embassies often utilise various wall mats and carpets for decoration purposes, incorporating Rangpur Sataranji into their décor would be beneficial. This would enable embassy visitors to directly observe and experience these products, making them interested in GI products.
The government can also arrange exhibitions of GI products at foreign embassy premises, presenting unique content detailing the history, features, and manufacture of the showcased GI products to visitors. This initiative could serve as another excellent method to promote GI products. Food items derived from GI-certified products, including fruits, snacks, and various other delicacies can be offered to foreign diplomats as a means of hospitality. Additionally, embassies have the option to integrate these food items into their daily operations.
Embassies observe national and international days. Certain GI products hold cultural significance tied to our national festivals. For instance, Hilsha fish is traditionally consumed on Pahela Boishakh. During Chaitra Sankranti, the final day of the Bengali year, sweet cakes known as pithas are crafted from rice flours made from GI paddy varieties. These culinary traditions are deeply ingrained in our cultural fabric. Embassies can incorporate these products into their celebrations on these special occasions as part of promotion of GI products.
Bangladesh has embassies and high commissions in different countries of the world. Our embassies should study these markets and find out which Bangladeshi GI product could best serve their needs and take the necessary steps to promote them. To achieve this, the Ministry of External Affairs should prioritize and diligently address the matter of promoting GI products.
Kakoly Talokder
President
e-Commerce Development Center(EDC)
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