The Zambian Mission in Geneva, Switzerland deposited the instrument of acceptance for the Agreement of Fisheries Subsidies to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 14th July, 2025.
The Zambian delegation was led by Her Excellency Amb. Eunice M. Tembo Luambia, Head of Mission in Geneva, Switzerland who was accompanied by Mr. Trevor Sichombo, Deputy Permanent Representative and Mr. Mcpherson Munsanje, First Secretary Trade.
In receiving the instrument of acceptance, Her Excellency, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) expressed gratitude to the Zambian Government and His Excellency Mr. Hakainde Hichilema, President of the Republic of Zambia for the commitment in upholding the principles of the rules based system and support especially at a time when the Multilateral Trading System was navigating through trade turbulence marked by geopolitical tensions.
The Director General underlined that Zambia became the 105th member to ratify the landmark Agreement, with only six (6) countries remaining before the Agreement entered into force. She underscored that the Agreement would be the second since 30 years, and was key to ensuring sustainability of oceans and disciplined harmful subsidies that promoted overcapacity and overfishing, depleting fish stocks in the oceans and seas. In conclusion, she thanked Zambia’s commitment in advancing discussions on key files including Agriculture, development, Fisheries Subsidies, Investment Facilitation for Development among others.
In presenting Zambia’s instrument of acceptance on the Agreement H.E Amb. Eunice M. Tembo Luambia thanked Her Excellency, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, Director General, World Trade Organisation (WTO) for her exceptional leadership in guiding the WTO during a challenging time in the MTS. She stated that Zambia prides herself to be among the special 111 WTO members to ratify the historical Agreement. She highlighted that Zambia was a land linked country and her acceptance of the Agreement was a mark of solidarity and support to other economies who depended on aquatic life.