Hong Kong, China welcomes entry into force of WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (with photos)
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The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau, said, "We sincerely congratulate the WTO on implementing this historic agreement, which is the first WTO agreement with environmental sustainability at its core. This not only marks a step forward for ocean sustainability but also underscores that the WTO remains relevant in addressing issues of global concern."
"The AFS regulates WTO members' fisheries subsidies, which helps promote sustainable fishery operations to alleviate harm to the oceans and global fish stocks and, in the long run, protects and improves the operating environment for fishermen. The implementation of the agreement will deliver benefits for trade, development and the environment," he added.
Concluded at the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference in June 2022, the AFS establishes binding multilateral rules to prohibit certain subsidies with the most harmful effects on the sustainability of fisheries, namely, those contributing to illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing; those for fishing regarding overfished stocks; and those for fishing on the unregulated high seas. WTO members also agreed to continue negotiations on outstanding issues with a view to further strengthening the disciplines under the AFS. Hong Kong, China (HKC) has been participating constructively in the negotiations.
WTO members that have accepted the AFS shall be obliged to comply with the AFS from the date it enters into force. Following HKC's acceptance of the AFS in August 2023, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), in accordance with the AFS, has made appropriate adjustments to the guidelines and conditions of relevant fisheries subsidies and support programmes. At present, there are no subsidies or support programmes that do not comply with the AFS.
For details about the AFCD's fisheries subsidies and support programmes (including the corresponding revised terms which are applicable immediately), please visit: www.afcd.gov.hk/english/fisheries/fish_cap/fish_cap_techsup/fish_cap_techsup.html.
Ends/Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Issued at HKT 10:30
Issued at HKT 10:30
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