The World Trade Organization (WTO) announced that Kazakhstan has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Kazakhstan’s instrument of acceptance was presented by Ambassador Asset Irgaliyev to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, bringing the number of WTO members who have accepted the agreement to 78.
The agreement was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference on June 17, 2022. According to the WTO, a member must formally accept the protocol by depositing an instrument of acceptance. This document must identify the protocol by its full title, state that the member accepts it, and acknowledge that they will be bound by it. It must be signed and include the name and title of the signatory, who must be either the head of state, head of government, or minister of foreign affairs.
According to a press release by WTO, Okonjo-Iweala said, "I welcome Kazakhstan's Acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This action demonstrates Kazakhstan's commitment, even as a landlocked nation, to responsible fisheries resource management. It underscores the need for global cooperation in safeguarding the shared marine ecosystem upon which all of us depend. I commend Kazakhstan for taking this step, which brings us closer to this Agreement's entry into force."
In line with Okonjo-Iweala's sentiment, Irgaliyev said in a press release by WTO, "We are so pleased that Kazakhstan can finally deposit its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This milestone underscores our dedication to sustainable fishing practices and marine ecosystem preservation. By joining this agreement, Kazakhstan aligns with global efforts to combat overfishing, and the prohibition of subsidies related to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is crucial. Moreover, it contributes to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, which are vital for ocean health, livelihoods, and food security. Kazakhstan, a landlocked country, proudly supports these global efforts for a sustainable future."