Ashraf AboArafe
The Sultanate of Oman has officially joined the World Trade Organization’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, following the deposit of its instrument of acceptance on September 11, 2025, at the WTO headquarters in Geneva. This milestone underscores Oman’s commitment to international cooperation and the protection of marine resources.
The announcement came during a formal ceremony attended by the WTO Director-General and representatives of member states, celebrating the agreement’s entry into force on September 15, 2025, after securing ratification by two-thirds of members (166 states as of August 2024).
Oman’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion—through its mission in Geneva—played a key role in coordinating the accession process alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources. Their efforts ensured that Oman’s commitments under the agreement aligned with its national legislation and economic priorities, safeguarding national interests while contributing to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6: conserving marine resources, combating illegal fishing, promoting fairness in global fisheries trade, supporting developing nations, and advancing food security and environmental sustainability.
The agreement reflects Oman’s broader vision of placing environmental sustainability at the heart of its development agenda. Its entry into force coincides with the 25th anniversary of Oman’s WTO membership, marking a journey since 2000 in which the Sultanate has been an active advocate of the multilateral trading system and a promoter of free and open trade globally.
By joining this landmark accord, Oman reaffirms its awareness of the need to balance economic growth in the fisheries sector with the preservation of marine ecosystems. The Sultanate pledges to continue working closely with international partners to exchange knowledge, strengthen policies, and implement practices that protect national interests while serving global sustainability.
