Switzerland is the first WTO member to formally accept the new Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies.
Singapore became the second member to ratify this agreement.
WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies was adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference in 2022.
The agreement is prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a key factor in the widespread depletion of the world’s fish stocks.
Developing Countries and Least Developed Countries have been allowed a transition period of two years from the date of entry into force of this Agreement.
It is the first WTO agreement to focus on the environment, the first broad, binding, multilateral agreement on ocean sustainability.
Also, this is the second agreement reached at the WTO since its inception.