Kazakhstan deposited its acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on June 1. Ambassador Asset Irgaliyev presented Kazakhstan's commitment to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, emphasizing the nation's dedication to sustainable practices despite its landlocked status.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala praised Kazakhstan for accepting the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, emphasizing the country's commitment to responsible fisheries management despite being landlocked. She highlighted the importance of global cooperation in protecting marine ecosystems and commended Kazakhstan for advancing the Agreement toward implementation.
"I welcome Kazakhstan's Acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This action demonstrates Kazakhstan's commitment, even as a landlocked nation, to responsible fisheries resource management. It underscores the need for global cooperation in safeguarding the shared marine ecosystem upon which all of us depend. I commend Kazakhstan for taking this step, which brings us closer to this Agreement's entry into force," Director-General Okonjo-Iweala stated.
Ambassador Irgaliyev echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Kazakhstan's proactive stance in marine conservation.
"We are so pleased that Kazakhstan can finally deposit its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This milestone underscores our dedication to sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystem preservation," he remarked. "By joining this agreement, Kazakhstan aligns with global efforts to combat overfishing, and the prohibition of subsidies related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is crucial. Moreover, it contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which are vital for ocean health, livelihoods, and food security. Kazakhstan, a landlocked country, proudly supports these global efforts for a sustainable future."
The deposit of Kazakhstan's instrument of acceptance brings the total number of WTO members formally accepting the Agreement to 78. Thirty-two more formal acceptances are required for the Agreement to take effect globally.
Adopted at the WTO's 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva in June 2022, the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies establishes binding rules to curb harmful subsidies contributing to the depletion of the world's fish stocks. The Agreement also addresses the needs of developing economies and least-developed countries by establishing a fund for technical assistance and capacity building.
Key provisions of the Agreement include the prohibition of subsidies for IUU fishing, support for fishing of overfished stocks, and subsidies for fishing on the unregulated high seas. Negotiations are ongoing to enhance these disciplines further, reflecting members' continued commitment to sustainable fisheries management.
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