by Charles Gladden

BELIZE CITY, Fri. June 16, 2023

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration, through H.E. Dr. Gianni Avila, has submitted Belize’s instrument of acceptance of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which will make Belize the first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Central American Integration System (SICA) country to take this significant step towards sustainable fisheries practices at the multilateral level.

According to a press release issued by the ministry, the submission is intended to highlight the country’s commitment to responsible and environmentally conscious fishing practices, and by accepting the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, Belize is recognizing the importance of international collaboration on protecting its marine resources.

“Belize’s commitment to the agreement highlights the country’s proactive stance in addressing the urgent challenges faced by the global fishing industry. By recognizing the detrimental effects of certain subsidies, and taking steps to eliminate them, Belize aims to foster sustainable fishing practices, promote economic development, and preserve its rich marine ecosystem,” the ministry stated.

“… Through this action, Belize reinforces its role as a responsible and accountable member of the WTO, ready to contribute to global trade negotiations and collaborative efforts aimed at fostering equitable and sustainable development,” they added.

The agreement was negotiated at the 12th Ministerial Conference in Geneva, Switzerland in 2022.