Geographic Indicators and Rural Development in North Africa Implications for TTIP Negotiations

In an earlier paper we interpreted the resolution of the 2005 WTO dispute on GIs as a stalemate and suggested a shift of the balance of power in favor of the pro-GI coalition. Since then, international negotiations continue to be stalled. The record of GIs as a tool for the promotion of rural development shows that few non-European GIs have been registered. The case of Morocco illustrates the difficulties faced by a government eager to use GIs as a development instrument. International recognition of GIs is difficult. The TTIP might not resolve institutional and doctrinal GIs problems.