Geneva: Kuwait has formally submitted its acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the seventh country from the Arab region to endorse the accord. This move signals Kuwait’s dedication to promoting sustainable fishing practices and combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, which is critical for global food security.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala welcomed Kuwait’s endorsement, emphasizing its significance as a major importer of marine products. “Kuwait’s acceptance of the agreement reflects a meaningful step towards safeguarding marine fisheries,” she said. “Curbing IUU fishing is essential in securing the future of global food supplies.”
Ambassador Tareq Al-Hayen reaffirmed Kuwait’s support for both the multilateral trading system and environmentally sustainable fishing. “By embracing this agreement, Kuwait demonstrates its commitment to fair global trade and the preservation of marine ecosystems,” Al-Hayen noted. “This effort aligns with United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14, focused on conserving and sustainably using marine resources.”
The ambassador also praised the WTO’s initiatives in tackling environmental and trade challenges. “Kuwait believes that a shared responsibility toward sustainability and global cooperation is vital to ensure a better future for coming generations. We are eager to work closely with other WTO members to successfully implement this crucial agreement,” he added.
Kuwait is now the fourth member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to ratify the fisheries accord. The WTO needs 25 more countries to formally approve the agreement for it to reach the two-thirds membership threshold required for it to come into effect.
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted during the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022, introduces binding rules aimed at curbing harmful subsidies that contribute to the depletion of fish stocks worldwide. It also acknowledges the specific needs of developing countries and least-developed nations, with a fund established to provide technical support and capacity-building to aid implementation.
The agreement specifically bans subsidies for IUU fishing, fishing of overexploited stocks, and unregulated fishing on the high seas. It also leaves room for continued negotiations on unresolved matters, with the goal of enhancing the framework through additional provisions in the future.
Kuwait’s endorsement not only underscores its role in advancing sustainable trade practices but also strengthens global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and ensure responsible fishing worldwide.
