The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 09, 2025
Today: April 09, 2025

Countries pushing to reach WTO fishing deal next month, documents show

Fisherfolk in Zambales, Philippines
June 28, 2024
Reuters - Reuters

GENEVA (Reuters) - Dozens of countries have voiced their support for concluding in the next few weeks World Trade Organization negotiations on cutting harmful fishing subsidies that contribute to overfishing, two documents showed on Friday.

Countries failed at a WTO meeting in February to agree to the second part of an international WTO agreement to curb billions of dollars in government subsidies that critics say encourage industrial fishing fleets to empty the world's oceans.

A first part was agreed in 2022 and will take effect if and when enough countries ratify it. However, arguably it left unresolved some of the thorniest issues on subsidies - like curbing those that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing.

WTO documents showed that a broad coalition of more than 40 countries, including top subsidiser China, the United States as well as island fishing nations like Mauritius and Vanuatu are seeking to complete the talks by a July 22-23 WTO meeting in Geneva.

"We encourage all Members to engage constructively in order to bring the negotiations to a successful conclusion without delay," one of the documents said.

The chair of the negotiations, Iceland's Ambassador Einar Gunnarsson, plans to consult with WTO members in the coming days about the new time-frame with a view to publishing a revised draft deal by July 11, a Geneva-based trade source said.

(Reporting by Emma Farge; Editing by Frances Kerry)

Related Articles

Coral reef recovery could get a boost from an unlikely source: Sea cucumbers, the janitors of the seafloor Several shark species are facing extinction. Hereโ€™s how you can help Canada reopens cod fishery after 32-year pause to replenish stocks Countries pushing to reach WTO fishing deal next month, documents show
Share This

Popular

Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Trump's 'buy' tip on social media before his tariffs pause made money for investors who listened

Trump's 'buy' tip on social media before his tariffs pause made money for investors who listened
Business|Economy|Political|US

The Latest: Treasury secretary says Trump will keep 10% import tariff, raise import tax on China

The Latest: Treasury secretary says Trump will keep 10% import tariff, raise import tax on China
Asia|Business|Economy|Political|US|World

South Korea trade envoy met USTR's Greer about lowering tariffs, ministry says

South Korea trade envoy met USTR's Greer about lowering tariffs, ministry says
Economy|Political|US

Trump order sets new expiration dates on existing energy rules, White House says

Trump order sets new expiration dates on existing energy rules, White House says

Economy

Business|Economy|Finance|Political|Stock Markets|US

Another U-Turn: Trump reverses tariffs that caused market meltdown, but companies remain bewildered

Another U-Turn: Trump reverses tariffs that caused market meltdown, but companies remain bewildered
Economy|Political|US

Interior Department staff, including those at national parks, offered buyouts and early retirement

Interior Department staff, including those at national parks, offered buyouts and early retirement
Business|Economy|Political|US

Trump does not pause 25% US auto tariffs, drawing criticism from Michigan business and auto groups

Trump does not pause 25% US auto tariffs, drawing criticism from Michigan business and auto groups
Business|Economy|Europe|Political|US|World

US open to 'comprehensive' EU talks, Irish minister says after Lutnick meeting

US open to 'comprehensive' EU talks, Irish minister says after Lutnick meeting

Access this article for free.

Already have an account? Sign In