The Philippines is urging World Trade Organization (WTO) members to conclude negotiations on fisheries subsidies by next month to address illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. In a statement, the Department of Trade and Industry said Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez made the call to complete negotiations on fisheries subsidies by next month during the informal WTO ministerial meeting held in Shanghai, China last Nov. 5. He said subsidies provided by other countries to the sector has resulted in overcapacity and overfishing, as well as threatened the Filipino fisherfolks’ livelihood.

Desiderio, L. (2019, November 17). Limit fisheries subsidies, Phl urges WTO members. The Philippine Star, p. B4.