In first meeting since pandemic, WTO fisheries chair issues consolidated text

摘要

World Trade Organization negotiators working to forge a deal curbing harmful fisheries subsidies this week met for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic temporarily led to a pause in the talks, with the chair of the negotiations issuing a consolidated text outlining the myriad of issues members must address before an agreement can be struck. The text, assembled by fisheries negotiations chair and Colombian Ambassador to the WTO Santiago Wills, is based on member submissions. However, placeholders were used instead of proposed text for issues such as capping subsidies, a list of excluded non-harmful subsidies, and certain special and differential treatment provisions, according to a Geneva-based trade official. Placeholders were also included on transparency and dispute settlement.