WTO Members Discuss Progress on Fisheries Subsidies Talks Ahead of Ministerial

Bilateral and small group discussions ahead of the 12th Ministerial Conference at the World Trade Organization made some progress fisheries subsidies, heads of delegations reported, the WTO said. More than 20 delegations at the Oct. 29 Negotiating Group on Rules meeting reported on the progress, including on special and differential treatment for developing and least-developed countries. The 12th Ministerial will be held Nov. 30 - Dec. 3.

“I continue to have a strong sense of optimism that we will conclude these negotiations, notwithstanding the differences that we still need to bridge," said Santiago Wills of Colombia, who chairs the Negotiating Group on Rules. "The next few weeks will not be easy as this is the time to bridge those differences. I will be continuing to reach out to different members in different configurations, to listen carefully and to prepare the ground as much as possible for MC12."