Pacific Ministers take their concerns to the WTO D-G
FIJI, alongside all other Pacific Ministers, met with the DirectorGeneral of the World Trade Organization – WTO to raise their concerns on the Fish 2 Agreement.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, in his capacity as the Pacific Lead, spearheaded the critical meeting on the margins of the 13th World Trade Organization - WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi.
At the meeting, the Ministers from the Pacific conveyed their grave concerns that the current text of the fisheries subsidy’s agreement fell short in addressing the crucial issues of overcapacity and overfishing.
They highlighted that the agreement disproportionately penalises Pacific states that responsibly manage their fisheries resources.
DPM Kamikamica emphasised, “this agreement would permanently lock in an industrial structure that prevents the Pacific from utilising its own resources”.
He also informed the meeting about Fiji’s submission of a textual proposal for a standstill and rollback to WTO members, stressing that without such measures, the negotiations would be deemed unsuccessful.
DPM Kamikamica underscored the region’s call for large distant water fishing nations to freeze their subsidies at current levels and commit to reducing subsidies in the future, emphasising the disproportionate impact of their actions on Pacific waters.
The Pacific also proposed a clause targeting the cessation of subsidies aimed solely at facilitating distant water fishing, aligning with the mandate set forth in the UN Sustainable Development Goals 14.6.
As stewards of the largest ocean and healthiest tuna stocks, the Pacific underscored that the outcome of these negotiations will significantly impact the global fisheries industry and the livelihoods of countless communities.
The Pacific urged all WTO members to reaffirm their commitment to safeguarding global fisheries for the benefit of present and future generations.
(Source: Ministry of Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications)