The chair of the fisheries subsidies negotiations has circulated a revised draft text ahead of the upcoming General Council meeting in December. In a communication to World Trade Organization (WTO) members, following consultations on November 19, the chair expressed optimism about concluding the negotiations. "Recognizing how far we have come, and the fact that there may be no more opportune moment in time, I feel compelled to explore whether a path can be found to bring our negotiations to a successful close," he stated.
The revised draft includes changes from the July version concerning subsidies for fishing beyond a member's jurisdiction, extension periods for least-developed countries (LDCs), and criteria for small-scale and artisanal fishing. An explanatory note was also shared alongside a tentative schedule outlining work from December 2-13, with potential weekend meetings.
"As I have previously indicated, I continue to believe that if we can narrow down the remaining substantial differences, we have a realistic chance of reaching a final agreement," said the chair. While most members are ready to finalize based on the July text, at least two members seek significant changes.
The chair has instructed Iceland to request inclusion of this matter for decision at the General Council meeting scheduled for December 16-17.