Monday 15 / September / 2025
Geneva: The Sultanate of Oman has officially joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO) Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, after depositing the signed instrument of acceptance on 11 September 2025, at the organisation's headquarters in Geneva.
This new step underscores Oman's commitment to international cooperation and the protection of marine resources.
The announcement was made during an official ceremony attended by the Director-General of the WTO and representatives of member states, celebrating the agreement's entry into force on 15 September 2025. This came after the condition of ratification by two-thirds of the member states (166 states as of August 2024) was met.
The Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, represented by its office at the WTO in Geneva, undertook a coordinating role in the accession efforts and participated in negotiations with specialists from the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources. This was to defend Oman's interests in the topics under negotiation, ensure Oman's commitments align with its national legislation and economic priorities, and achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6 of conserving marine resources, combating illegal fishing, promoting fairness in maritime trade, and supporting developing countries, food security, and environmental sustainability.
Dr. Saud Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, affirmed that the fisheries sector is a key pillar of the national economy and a promising source for economic diversification and food security. He noted that Oman closely followed the agreement's negotiations to ensure its provisions were in line with its national interests and the protection of artisanal fishing. Al Habsi stated that the agreement reflects Oman's vision, which prioritizes environmental sustainability. He explained that Oman's delegations participated actively in international meetings and presented statements that reflected its positions to ensure the protection of its interests.
Qais Mohammed Al Yousuf, Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, said that the agreement, adopted during the WTO's Twelfth Ministerial Conference in June 2022, represents a qualitative leap in promoting ocean sustainability. This is achieved by prohibiting harmful fisheries subsidies, which are a major cause of global fish stock depletion. He explained that the agreement's entry into force is in line with the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. He added that this development coincides with the 25th anniversary of Oman's accession to the WTO. Since 2000, Oman has undertook an active role in supporting the multilateral trading system and aligning its national legislation with the organization's regulations to reinforce its position as a strong advocate for free and open trade in the region and the world.
Idris Abdul Rahman Al Khanjari, Permanent Representative of Oman to the UN and Other International Organizations in Geneva said, “Oman is honored to deposit its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. This decision is a clear reaffirmation of Oman’s commitment to the WTO multilateral trading system. By joining this landmark agreement, Oman aligns itself with international efforts to stop harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and the degradation of marine ecosystems. This significant step demonstrates Oman’s recognition of the vital need to balance economic growth in its fisheries sector with long-term ecological sustainability. The fisheries sector is among the key five sectors in Oman’s 2040 vision.”
On his turn, Faisal Ali Al Hinai, Deputy Head of Oman's Mission to the WTO, said that this accession shows Oman's deep understanding of the importance of balancing economic development and marine environmental protection. He noted that the agreement provides a practical framework for enhancing international cooperation in facing challenges of illegal fishing and conserving fish stocks. He added that through this commitment, Oman affirms its readiness to continue working with its international partners to exchange experiences and develop policies that ensure the sustainability of this vital sector for future generations.
Oman's accession to the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies reflects its commitment to the path of sustainable development and strengthens its position as a key player in international efforts aimed at protecting marine resources and diversifying national income sources, in line with the objectives of Oman Vision 2040.
