(TAP) - Canada has recently approved exclusive trademark protection for two flagship agricultural products from Ben Tre Province, Vietnam: Green Siamese coconuts and green skin pomelos. According to official statements from Hanoi authorities, this move helps assert the local fruits' brand identity and significantly expands export opportunities to discerning markets.
Recent reports from the Ben Tre Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, as cited by Vietnamese media, indicate that these two local agricultural products have been granted exclusive trademark protection by the Canadian Intellectual Property Office. The protected items include: Green Siamese Coconuts (trademarked as 'Ben Tre Coconut & Device' - registration number TMA1.257.904) and Green Skin Pomelos (trademarked as 'Ben Tre Pomelo & Device' - TMA1.257.893).
Vietnam's Authority of External Information under the Ministry of Information and Communications highlights Canada as a promising market for high-value exports targeted by Ben Tre province. This recent regulatory action in intellectual property management, recognized by Hanoi authorities, is seen as a precursor to expanding global exports.
Vietnam's government, particularly its domestic agriculture sector and Ben Tre province, is intensifying efforts to promote and guide farmers in producing Green Siamese coconuts, pomelos, and other fruits under organic farming standards such as VietGAP and Global GAP, aiming to enhance product quality.
Geographical indications and trademark certifications are considered intellectual property assets and effective legal tools, not only preventing infringements but also paving the way for Ben Tre-branded agricultural products to enter global markets. This initiative reinforces the quality and characteristics of these products in the international market, opening new avenues for economic development, especially in agricultural exports.
Ben Tre, a province in the Mekong Delta region of Vietnam, boasts extensive plantations of green skin coconuts and pomelos in the southernmost part of the country. Statistics from the Ben Tre Department of Agriculture and Rural Development report that the current area dedicated to Green Siamese coconuts spans nearly 20,000 hectares, accounting for about 21% of local coconut plantations. Meanwhile, green skin pomelos cover approximately 10,000 hectares, representing 20% of the province's fruit tree areas. These products yield an average of 200,000 tons annually.
Prior to receiving positive signals from Canada, Vietnam's Ministry of Information and Communications noted that these agricultural products have also attracted significant interest and have been exported to various markets worldwide.
Therion Vu
