The 30-day countdown to Comoros’s membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) officially commenced on July 22, 2024, following a significant milestone in the island nation’s economic integration. Ambassador Sultan Chouzour of Comoros handed over the country’s instrument of acceptance for the Protocol of Accession to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala during a meeting of the General Council, signaling the final step towards full membership.
During the same event, Comoros also submitted its instrument of acceptance for the WTO’s Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, increasing the total number of acceptances of the Agreement to 82. This dual submission underscores Comoros’s commitment to sustainable development and responsible management of its natural resources.
“I am particularly proud to welcome Comoros as the newest member of the WTO,” said Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. “Comoros can use WTO accession as a vehicle for modernization, economic transformation, and as a complement to the country’s regional integration agenda on the African continent. Comoros’s membership will add a valuable voice to the multilateral trading system, as it has shown commitment to the values of the WTO and has clearly demonstrated willingness to adapt to its rules and principles.”
The Director-General expressed gratitude to WTO members for their support throughout the accession process and assured that the organization will continue to support Comoros in the post-accession phase.
The WTO officially approved Comoros’s accession during a special ceremony held at the 13th WTO Ministerial Conference (MC13) in Abu Dhabi on February 26, 2024. Comoros first applied for membership on February 22, 2007, and negotiations concluded on January 9, 2024. The nation’s National Assembly subsequently approved the Protocol of Accession on June 10, paving the way for this final step.
Comoros’s accession to the WTO is seen as a pivotal moment for the country, offering new opportunities for economic growth and integration into the global trading system. The nation’s commitments and obligations under WTO rules are expected to foster greater transparency and predictability in its trade policies, which could attract more foreign investment and spur economic development.
The Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, adopted at the WTO’s 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in June 2022, aims to curb harmful subsidies that contribute to the depletion of global fish stocks. For the Agreement to enter into force, two-thirds of WTO members must formally accept the Protocol. The Agreement includes provisions to support developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) in implementing these new rules.
With Comoros’s accession, the WTO continues to expand its global reach, now focusing on the remaining 22 governments, including eight African nations, that are still in the negotiation process for membership. Timor-Leste is the next country slated to join, with its membership set to become effective on August 30, 2024.
Comoros’s WTO membership marks a significant achievement in its economic history, offering new avenues for growth, trade, and international cooperation. The country’s integration into the global trading system will likely enhance its development prospects and strengthen its ties with other WTO members.
