Democratic Republic of the Congo Embraces Global Trade Pillars: Formal Acceptance of Fisheries Subsidies and Trade Facilitation Agreements
Geneva, Switzerland – In a significant step towards deepening its integration into the global trading system, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has formally accepted two pivotal World Trade Organization (WTO) agreements: the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies and the Agreement on Trade Facilitation. The announcement, made by the WTO on July 11, 2025, marks a moment of commitment by the DRC to enhancing sustainable practices and streamlining international commerce.
The formal acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies is a particularly noteworthy development. This landmark agreement, concluded in 2022, aims to curb harmful subsidies that contribute to overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. By formally accepting this agreement, the DRC signals its dedication to promoting the sustainability of fish stocks and fostering a more responsible approach to fisheries management within its vast territorial waters. This commitment aligns with global efforts to protect marine ecosystems and ensure the long-term viability of fisheries, which are crucial for food security and livelihoods in many coastal and riparian nations, including the DRC.
Furthermore, the DRC’s acceptance of the Agreement on Trade Facilitation underscores its proactive stance in simplifying, modernizing, and harmonizing customs procedures and related activities. This agreement, which entered into force in February 2017, is designed to reduce the time and cost of trading goods across borders, thereby boosting efficiency and predictability for businesses. For the Democratic Republic of the Congo, embracing trade facilitation measures is expected to unlock significant economic potential. It can lead to increased foreign investment, enhanced competitiveness for Congolese businesses, and a more seamless flow of goods into and out of the country, ultimately benefiting its citizens through greater economic opportunity and access to a wider range of products.
The WTO’s announcement highlights the DRC’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism and its recognition of the tangible benefits that adherence to established global trade norms can bring. These acceptances represent a crucial stride in the DRC’s ongoing efforts to diversify its economy, attract investment, and foster sustainable development.
As the Democratic Republic of the Congo formally incorporates these vital agreements into its national framework, the international community looks forward to witnessing the positive impact on its trade landscape and its contribution to the broader goals of sustainable fisheries and efficient global trade. This move by the DRC serves as an encouraging testament to the power of international cooperation in addressing shared global challenges and fostering inclusive economic growth.
AI has delivered the news.
The answer to the following question is obtained from Google Gemini.
WTO published ‘Democratic Republic of the Congo formally accepts WTO Agreements on Fisheries Subsidies, Trade Facilitation’ at 2025-07-11 17:00. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.