State Minister Takemura Attends The WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) (February 26–29, 2024)

The State Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Mr. Takemura, attended the WTO's 13th Ministerial Conference (MC13) held in Abu Dhabi, The United Arab Emirates, from February 26 to 29, 2024. On the sidelines of this event, he also met with Ms. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry of Kenya (the facilitator for agriculture), and H.E. Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson, the Permanent Secretary of the State of Iceland (the facilitator of the negotiations on fisheries subsidies).

1. Overview

WTO members discussed the future work plan in the area of agriculture and rules on fisheries subsidies at this Conference in which State Minister Takemura stated Japan’s position on these topics.

1 Agriculture
Despite intensive discussion on the future work plan towards the next Ministerial Conference, no agreement could be reached other than continuing the discussion.

2 Fisheries subsidies
Although WTO members discussed disciplines on fisheries subsidies, including subsides that contribute to overfishing, the negotiations did not result in an agreement, and discussions were to continue.

State Minister Takemura delivers a speech
at MC13                                                 

2. Bilateral Meeting with Ms. Rebecca Miano, Cabinet Secretary at the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry of Kenya 

State Minister Takemura had a bilateral meeting with Cabinet Secretary of the Ministry of Investments, Trade,
and Industry of Kenya, H.E. Ms. Rebecca Miano, who also played a pivotal role as the facilitator for agriculture negotiations. In this meeting, he underlined the importance of ensuring balance among pillars and areas,
including export restrictions, in the future work plan for the negotiations toward the next Ministerial Conference. 

State Minister Takemura shakes hands with
H.E. Ms. Rebecca Miano                            

3. Bilateral Meeting with the Permanent Secretary of State of Iceland, Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson

State Minister Takemura held a bilateral meeting with H.E. Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson, the Permanent Secretary of the State of Iceland, who also played a key role as the facilitator of the negotiations on fisheries subsidies. During their discussion, they exchanged views on disciplines for fisheries subsidies including those contributing to overfishing.

State Minister Takemura is exchanging views  
with H.E. Mr. Martin Eyjólfsson, the Permanent
Secretary of the State of Iceland.