On 18 February 2025, Taiwan formally deposited its instrument of acceptance of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, bringing the total number of formal acceptances to 90. Dr. Chang-Fa LO, Permanent Representative of Taiwan to the WTO, presented the instrument to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a ceremony at the WTO headquarters in Geneva.
Director-General Okonjo-Iweala warmly welcomes this formal acceptance, noting, “This underscores the collective determination of WTO Members to tackle harmful subsidies that deplete fish stocks, and to ensure healthier oceans for the benefit of livelihoods and ecosystems globally. I encourage the remaining WTO Members to swiftly follow suit – we need only 21 more.”
Ambassador LO remarked, "The Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu is pleased to formally deposit our instrument of acceptance for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Throughout the negotiations, we have engaged constructively and believe we have made a meaningful contribution to the outcome. Our strong commitment to the disciplines embedded in the Agreement is reflected in this deposit. With our submission, alongside those of other Members, we hope to see the Agreement enter into force ahead of the 14th Ministerial Conference (MC14), thereby providing momentum for the ongoing Phase II negotiations. We also thank Director-General Dr. Ngozi for her leadership in helping fisheries subsidies negotiations move forward."
The Agreement will come into effect once it has been accepted by two-thirds of the WTO membership, with just 21 more formal acceptances needed.
