107. The representative of Nigeria, speaking on behalf of the African Group, congratulated the Chairman on his election and pledged to work with him in constructive engagement. His delegation believed that the discussion on the register should cover all products, as African countries had GI products other than wines and spirits. The TN/C/W/52 proposal for modalities covered all products, but further elaboration would be necessary when modalities had been adopted.
108. Regarding the issue of special and differential treatment, India had elaborated on this issue and clarified that it covered all three TRIPS issues, namely the register, GI extension, and TRIPS/CBD.
109. The African Group considered that these three issues were interlinked and that negotiations on all the three issues should move in parallel.
