{"id":344,"date":"2024-07-20T18:32:06","date_gmt":"2024-07-20T18:32:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vindicatorslnews.com\/?p=344"},"modified":"2024-07-20T18:32:08","modified_gmt":"2024-07-20T18:32:08","slug":"sierra-leone-ratifies-wto-agreement-on-fisheries-subsidies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vindicatorslnews.com\/?p=344","title":{"rendered":"Sierra Leone Ratifies WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Geneva, Switzerland, Saturday 20 July 2024 – His Excellency Dr. Lansana Gberie, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone to Geneva, Switzerland, has deposited the Instrument of Acceptance for the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This historic event was held in the presence of Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO.<\/span>

Ambassador Gberie expressed gratitude to the WTO for its continued support and collaboration on issues crucial to Sierra Leone. He highlighted that the ratification signifies a major step towards sustainable development and responsible resource management, aligning with Sierra Leone’s Medium-Term National Development Plan (2024-2030).<\/p>

Sierra Leone, a coastal nation heavily reliant on marine resources, has faced challenges from overfishing and illegal fishing practices. Since 2018, the government has made significant efforts to combat these issues and reduce harmful subsidies from wealthier WTO members.<\/p>

By ratifying this agreement, Sierra Leone reaffirms its dedication to international cooperation for sustainable fisheries. This commitment includes eliminating subsidies that exacerbate overfishing and illegal fishing, ensuring environmentally responsible and economically viable practices.<\/p>

Ambassador Gberie emphasized the importance of multilateralism, sustainability, and conservation in Sierra Leone’s national policies. He called on other nations, particularly African and small coastal states, to ratify the agreement and participate in further negotiations.<\/p>

Madam Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General, World Trade Organization, commended Sierra Leone’s commitment to responsible fisheries management. She noted that with Sierra Leone’s acceptance, 80 WTO members have now ratified the agreement, with 30 more needed for it to enter into force.<\/p>

For Sierra Leone, achieving this landmark fisheries agreement is a testament to its commitment to multilateralism, principles of sustainability and conservation, and the fair and responsible exploitation of natural resources. The Minister of Trade and Industry, Honourable Alpha Sesay, played a pivotal role in pushing the ratification, and His Excellency, President Julius Maada Bio, endorsed the agreement, ensuring its achievement by his government.<\/p>

The ceremony was attended by key officials including Mr. Edward Kawa, Head of Chancery, Mr. Robert Koroma, Minister Counsellor, and Advisor to the Ambassador and Permanent Representative, Mrs. Essate Weldemichael, who provided technical support.<\/p>

The World Trade Organization is a UN-affiliated organization with 164 member states. It has three main functions: negotiate trade deals, monitor trade practices, and settle disputes.<\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>