DPM Kamikamica emphasises on call to action at the WTO
FIJI has called on World Trade Organization (WTO) members to conclude negotiations for a balanced and comprehensive Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies before the year ends.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade, Co-operatives, Small and Medium Enterprises and Communications, Manoa Kamikamica, while delivering his remarks during the WTO Informal Ministerial gathering in Paris, highlighted that Fiji and the Pacific continues to be a strong advocate for disciplines on fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, following the WTO Thirteenth Ministerial Conference (MC13).
“As owners of two thirds of the world’s tuna resources, we demanded our voices be heard as equals. We pleaded for our ocean resources to be sustainably managed, protected and not overfished for the sake of our future generations.”
“In my last statement at MC13, I asked for WTO Members who wish to continue and conclude negotiations for a Comprehensive Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies to stand. Nearly all members inside this room stood up in solidarity with Fiji and the Pacific in support of our call. In this vein, I strongly urge that we conclude negotiations for a balanced and comprehensive Agreement before the year ends - and I dare remind this Room that we are racing against a Sunset Clause,” stated the Deputy Prime Minister.
During the meeting, DPM Kamikamica also highlighted that Fiji remains committed to finding practical solutions to proceed and deliver a comprehensive outcome on fisheries subsidies.
“For Fiji, the chair’s advanced text of 1 March 2024, should be the basis of negotiations and we need to achieve the mandate of a comprehensive agreement that fully delivers the mandate of SDG 14.6 and MC12,” he added.
“Fiji cannot in good sense agree to any moratorium being imposed on fisheries subsidies. It is unrealistic, unsustainable and will further push unscrupulous exploitation of the very stock that our fisherfolk back at home depend on for their livelihood and sustenance.”
DPM Kamikamica has reaffirmed the commitment to conclude negotiations on Fish 2 as soon as possible.
“We do not have to wait for MC14. We should continue the momentum of our negotiations or face the risk of having no deal. In concluding this Comprehensive Agreement, we also prove to the world that the WTO and its system works for everyone - even small island vulnerable economies, such as the Pacific.”
“This is not about short-term self-interests and politics, for Fiji and the Pacific this is about our livelihood, our culture and our food security.”