WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and Support of its Implementation

About the Event

The Regional Workshop on the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and Support of its Implementation brought together government officials, experts, and stakeholders to explore practical approaches for aligning fisheries subsidies with sustainability goals.

This event focused on regional priorities from member states of the Bay of Bengal Programme and other South and Southeast Asian countries. It provided a platform for dialogue around the implementation of the WTO's Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, with an emphasis on fostering equitable and environmentally responsible fishing practices across the region.

Participants

• gained insights into the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and its implications for national policies,
• explored the practicalities of implementation in the region and discussed how effective subsidy reforms can support marine conservation and small-scale fisheries,
• engaged in peer learning through regional cooperation and knowledge exchange,
• contributed to policy discussions that support sustainable development and food security, and
• learned about available support tools and mechanisms to assist with implementation efforts.

Agenda Highlights

• Overview of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
• Discussions on the practical implications of the new rules in South and Southeast Asia
• Interactive sessions on national implementation pathways
• Presentations on existing tools and mechanisms to support implementation

This event was organized by the International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD), in collaboration with Rise Up and the Bay of Bengal Programme (BOBP).