The World Trade Organisation has been receiving donations from a number of directions for its Fisheries Funding Mechanism to assist developing members and least-developed members in implementing the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Norway’s WTO Ambassador Petter Ølberg presented a contribution of NoK9 million to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala earlier this month, and this has been followed by a donation of €1 million from the European Union, presented by ambassador João Aguiar Machado. presented the contribution to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on 23 November.
In addition, the tiny European state of Lichtenstein has contributed CHF 40,000 to the WTO Fisheries Funding Mechanism, presented by ambassador Kurt Jäger.
‘Liechtenstein is fully committed to the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 14 on the conservation and sustainable use of the oceans, sea and marine resources,’ commented ambassador Kurt Jäger.
‘Although we do not have any fishing industry and related special expertise, we attach high importance to the WTO’s work on harmful fisheries subsidies. With our support of the Fisheries Funding Mechanism, we aim at contributing to an early implementation of the new disciplines and at helping improve fisheries management and restore overfished stocks.’
The fund is operated by the WTO with partner – the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations, the International Fund for Agricultural Development, and the World Bank Group – to bring to bear relevant expertise and allow the WTO to implement its own expertise.
‘I am grateful to Liechtenstein for its donation to the Fisheries Funding Mechanism. Each contribution makes a real difference in ensuring the effective implementation of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies,’ said WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
‘This donation also demonstrates Liechtenstein’s strong regard for global sustainability and international cooperation.’
