Geographical indications – a new effective instrument of socio-economic development of regions

The article focuses on the importance of geographical indications as an efficient tool for the rural development of the country. Regularities of GIs development, its concept as well as types have been thoroughly analyzed. It is found that though the country possesses the full-fledged potential to become one of the major producers of products that can qualify for GIs, the country lacks a legal basis for GIs that can serve as a mainspring to boost the development of regions of the country. The article considers practices of developed countries in relation to GIs by providing relevant examples and statistical figures. Moreover, the article contains the author’s vision regarding the draft law of the Republic of Uzbekistan on geographical indications.