GENEVA (CHATNEWSTV) — Bahrain on Monday formally accepted the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, becoming the 97th WTO member to do so and bringing the historic accord closer to entering into force.
WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala received Bahrain’s instrument of acceptance from Ambassador Abdulla Abdullatif Abdulla at a ceremony at WTO headquarters.
“I thank Bahrain for adding its support to WTO members’ efforts to preserve global fish stocks and the livelihoods that depend on them,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “The submission of Bahrain’s acceptance brings us a step closer to the entry into force of this historic Agreement that will benefit people, oceans and the planet. I encourage other governments to ratify the Agreement swiftly — only 14 more acceptances are needed.”
The Agreement, adopted at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022, prohibits subsidies for illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, as well as subsidies contributing to overfishing and those operating in unregulated high seas. Two-thirds of WTO members — 111 out of 166 — must formally accept the deal for it to take effect.
Ambassador Abdulla said Bahrain’s ratification reflects the kingdom’s commitment to sustainable development and the global rules-based trading system.
“As a country with a long-standing maritime heritage, Bahrain attaches particular importance to the preservation of ocean ecosystems and the fair governance of global fisheries,” Abdulla said. “This step reaffirms Bahrain’s support for the multilateral trading system and its continued engagement in international efforts to promote the sustainable use of marine resources.”
He added that the move aligns with Bahrain’s broader goals under its Economic Vision 2030 plan to diversify the economy and protect marine environments.
The Agreement also establishes a dedicated fund to assist developing and least-developed countries in implementing the new obligations.
Negotiations are ongoing at the WTO to expand the Agreement’s disciplines further.
