Batches of floating white cans are used in mussel cultivation in Shengsi county of Zhoushan city, East China's Zhejiang province. [Photo/IC]

Four years after the agreement goes into effect, the scope of protection will expand to cover an additional of 175 GI names from both China and the EU.

Zhejiang occupies 10 of China's 175 GI names with the following products: Jingshan Tea, Putuo Buddha Tea, Linhai Broccoli, Suichang Bamboo Charcoal, Zhoushan Portunus, Zhoushan Hairtail, Jinhua Ham, Wencheng Vermicelli, Changshan Pomelo, and Wencheng Waxberry.

A worker airs Jinhua hams at a local cured meat company in Dongyang, a county-level city administered by Jinhua, Zhejiang province. [Photo/IC]

GIs have proven to be a useful marketing tool, helping to ensure higher and more stable export revenue for producers. According to studies, a GI product sells on average for more than twice the price of a similar non-GI product.