Shaoxing Rice Wine jars are stored at a wine factory in Shaoxing, Zhejiang province. [Photo/IC]

The Council of the European Union recently authorized the signing of the EU-China agreement on geographical indications (GIs).

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

According to the council's official website, this significant bilateral trade agreement ensures that 100 EU agri-food GIs will be protected on the Chinese market. "Likewise, 100 Chinese products will be protected in the EU, thereby ensuring mutual respect for the best of both agricultural traditions."

Of the 100 Chinese GI products, seven are from East China's Zhejiang province. Their translated names on the council's official document are Anji White Tea, Qingyuan Mushroom, Shengsi Mussel, Shaoxing Rice Wine, Qiandao Rare Tea, Taishun Three Cups of Incense Tea, and Jinhua Pig. The corresponding places of origin are the prefecture-level cities of Huzhou, Lishui, Zhoushan, Shaoxing, Hangzhou, Wenzhou, and Jinhua.