29. The representative of Cuba said that Cuba had clear economic interests in extending the protection of geographical indications to liquors, such as Cuban rums and other liquors produced in Cuba which were of renowned international prestige and were being counterfeited, for example Havana Club rum, the rum of Santiago de Cuba and the rum of Cardenas. Therefore, her delegation wished to work actively in meetings concerning the review of the application of the provisions of the Section on geographical indications under Article 24.2, with a view to extending, as far as scope was concerned, the protection to categories of products other than wines and spirits. She considered that the use of a geographical indication on products which did not originate in the indicated area had negative effects, not only because it misled consumers as to the true origin of the product, but also because it might have an impact on producers and distort trade. The additional protection under Section 3 of Part II of the Agreement was limited to certain products and did not cover sectors which were important to the economies of many Members. It was important that the analysis not only focus on the application of the provisions of the Agreement, but that it also take account of other important criteria necessary for the consideration of other categories of products which should also benefit from a higher level of protection.
