Fiji's Deputy Prime Minister Advocates For Pacific Fish Stocks Sustainability At WTO MC13

During the 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) of the World Trade Organization (WTO) held in Abu Dhabi, Deputy Prime Minister Manoa Kamikamica of Fiji expressed a keen interest in seeing the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement come to fruition. This agreement is pivotal for Fiji and the broader Pacific region, aiming to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks and foster the development of a robust private sector within the fisheries industry. The Deputy Prime Minister's comments were made in an interview with the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the first day of the conference.

Manoa Kamikamica, who also serves as Fiji's Minister for Trade, Cooperatives, Small and Medium Enterprises, and Communications, underscored the significance of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement. He believes that successful outcomes from MC13 would greatly benefit Fiji and its Pacific neighbors by safeguarding their marine resources. These efforts are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring long-term economic prosperity in the region.

The Deputy Prime Minister lauded the United Arab Emirates for its exemplary role in international trade. According to Kamikamica, the UAE's achievements in this field provide valuable lessons for MC13 participants, offering insights into enhancing foreign trade within their own countries. Furthermore, he highlighted the conference as a prime opportunity for networking, seeking business ventures, and attracting investment from the UAE.

The WTO's MC13 in Abu Dhabi has thus been positioned as a critical platform for discussing global trade issues, with a particular focus on sustainable practices within the fisheries sector. The Fisheries Subsidies Agreement stands out as a key topic of interest, promising to address overfishing and illegal fishing practices that threaten marine biodiversity and livelihoods dependent on this sector.

As nations gather to deliberate on these pressing issues, Fiji's stance reflects a broader regional aspiration for environmental stewardship and economic resilience. The outcomes of MC13 could indeed mark a significant step forward in achieving these goals, with potential benefits extending beyond the Pacific to encompass global marine conservation efforts.

With inputs from WAM