In a significant move towards sustainable trade practices, Kazakhstan officially accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on July 1. Ambassador Asset Irgaliyev presented the formal instrument of acceptance to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, underscoring Kazakhstan’s commitment to responsible resource management and international cooperation.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala commended the initiative, stating, “Kazakhstan's acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a remarkable step for a landlocked nation. This action highlights Kazakhstan's dedication to global fisheries resource management and the shared marine ecosystem. It also emphasizes the importance of international collaboration in trade to protect our natural resources. I applaud Kazakhstan for this progressive move, bringing us closer to the Agreement's implementation."
Ambassador Irgaliyev reflected on Kazakhstan’s dedication to sustainable trade practices, adding, “We are thrilled to deposit our instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This milestone showcases our commitment to sustainable fishing and marine ecosystem preservation, aligning with global efforts to combat overfishing. Prohibiting subsidies related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is crucial. Additionally, this step contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which are vital for ocean health, livelihoods, and food security. As a landlocked country, Kazakhstan proudly supports these global trade efforts for a sustainable future.”
Kazakhstan's acceptance brings the total number of WTO members that have formally agreed to the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement to 78. An additional 32 acceptances are needed for the agreement to come into effect, targeting a two-thirds majority of the membership.
Adopted by consensus at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in Geneva in June 2022, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies establishes new, binding multilateral rules to curb harmful subsidies contributing to the depletion of global fish stocks. It also recognizes the needs of developing and least-developed countries by establishing a fund to provide technical assistance and capacity building to help them fulfill the agreement’s obligations.
The Agreement prohibits support for illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, bans subsidies for overfished stocks, and ends subsidies for fishing in unregulated high seas. Moreover, members at MC12 agreed to continue negotiations on outstanding issues to further strengthen the agreement’s disciplines.
Kazakhstan's proactive stance sets a positive precedent in the international trade community, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices and cooperation in achieving global economic and environmental goals.
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