Geneva, 2 July 2024 (TDI): Asset Irgaliyev, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and International Economic Organizations, formally presented his credentials to the WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
During the discussion, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala commended President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev of Kazakhstan for implementing economic liberalization reforms.
These initiatives are designed to bolster fair competition, safeguard entrepreneurial freedoms, and diminish state economic involvement.
In response, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative Asset Irgaliyev highlighted that since joining the WTO in 2015, Kazakhstan has steadfastly and proactively endorsed a stable multilateral trading framework.
For example, Kazakhstan has previously served as the Chair of the WTO Committee on Trade and Environment. Since 2018, the country has assumed the role of Chair for the WTO Special Session of the Council for Trade in Services.
Moreover, Kazakhstan continues to prioritize facilitating the accession of Central Asian countries to the WTO and advocating for the trade interests of landlocked developing nations.
Additionally, Kazakhstan fulfilled its Trade Facilitation Commitment last year, achieving a 100% implementation rate.
As part of the meeting, Kazakhstan’s Permanent Representative Irgaliev formally delivered to the Director-General of the WTO the official document signifying Kazakhstan’s acceptance and commitment to the WTO Agreement on fisheries subsidies.
This agreement is crucial in supporting UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.6, which aims to reduce harmful fisheries subsidies.
It’s noteworthy that the agreement excludes subsidies for aquaculture and inland fisheries from its scope.
Furthermore, Director-General Okonjo-Iweala underscored the importance of Kazakhstan’s accession to this agreement, noting that Kazakhstan, despite being a landlocked country, plays a crucial role in advancing the UN’s goal of reducing harmful fisheries subsidies.
She acknowledged Kazakhstan’s commitment to sustainable practices in global fisheries management and its proactive stance in supporting international efforts to achieve environmental sustainability in marine resources.
Overall, the Republic of Kazakhstan joined as the 79th member of the WTO to endorse the agreement on fisheries subsidies.
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This agreement will come into effect automatically upon acceptance by two-thirds of WTO members, equating to 109 out of 164 countries.
Kazakhstan does not provide fisheries subsidies, aligning with its legislation, which means Kazakhstan’s participation in this agreement does not conflict with its domestic laws on fisheries subsidies.
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