Wednesday April 12, 2023
The Brussels Times —
The United States on Tuesday formally accepted a World Trade Organisation (WTO) deal reached in June that bans fishing subsidies that could threaten global fish stocks, sources said.
For the agreement to enter into force, two-thirds of the 164 WTO Member States must have formally adopted it by depositing an “instrument of acceptance” with the Geneva-based organisation.
Washington is the first major world fishing state to take this step. Until now, only Singapore, Switzerland and the Seychelles had notified their formal acceptance of the agreement, which was reached after years of negotiations.
“This strong show of support by the United States for the WTO’s work toward ocean sustainability marks a pivotal increase in momentum among the membership to ensure this landmark agreement enters into force,” said WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.