Pakistan ratifies fisheries agreement

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has said that Pakistan has formally accepted the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. Pakistan’s Ambassador to the WTO Ali Sarfaraz Hussain presented the instrument of acceptance to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala on Thursday, according to the information on the WTO website. The WTO DG said Pakistan’s formal acceptance of the agreement marks a vital step toward ensuring the long-term sustainability of global marine resources, while safeguarding the livelihoods and food security of the millions of people who depend on healthy fisheries. “By joining this collective effort, Pakistan demonstrates its commitment to its coastal communities and the environment and becomes eligible for resources from our Fish Fund. I encourage the remaining WTO members to follow suit swiftly — we need only 17 more,” she added.