In an endeavor to lay the groundwork for the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13), the chair of the fisheries subsidies negotiations, Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson of Iceland, inaugurated the final “Fish Week” of 2023 on December 4th. The primary objective of this week is to propel the work towards a favorable outcome.
Ambassador Gunnarsson has taken a significant step by presenting draft language, with the intention of reconciling the differing perspectives of member nations on crucial provisions. This week’s collective endeavors hold paramount importance, as they are instrumental in accomplishing the goal of concluding text-based work this month before MC13.
The international community keenly anticipates the developments and outcomes of Fish Week as it plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of fisheries subsidies and sustainable practices in the fishing industry. The negotiations aim to strike a balance between economic interests and environmental conservation, a challenge that demands comprehensive dialogue and cooperation among member nations.
As MC13 approaches, the world watches with hope that substantial progress will be made during Fish Week, ultimately culminating in an agreement that addresses the pressing issues surrounding fisheries subsidies.