Fiji has ratified WTO legal advisory agreement

Fiji has officially ratified the agreement to establish the Advisory Centre on WTO Law, a move that received unanimous approval from Parliament. This ratification is poised to significantly enhance Fiji's ability to secure legal counsel and representation concerning international trade issues.

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the move is significant for a country whose economy depends heavily on trade.

Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga, who presented the motion, emphasized the importance of this step for Fiji's trade-dependent economy. He highlighted that key sectors such as sugar, fisheries, bottled water, and tourism are heavily influenced by international trade rules. Therefore, understanding and effectively responding to global decisions is critical for the nation.

Turaga noted that while Fiji has been a World Trade Organization member since 1996, the substantial costs associated with the WTO dispute settlement system have often disadvantaged smaller developing nations. Membership in the advisory centre will now grant Fiji access to free legal advice on WTO law, subsidized legal representation during disputes, and specialized training for its trade and legal officials.

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Through membership with the advisory centre, Fiji will now have access to free legal advice on WTO law, subsidised legal representation during disputes, and specialised training for trade and legal officials.

This support is intended to help Fiji navigate complex issues like market access, subsidies, technical barriers to trade, and intellectual property without incurring the significant financial burdens typically associated with international trade litigation. The agreement also aims to foster long-term expertise in trade law within Fiji, better equipping the country to defend its national interests in potential disputes.

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the agreement will also help Fiji build long-term expertise in trade law and ensure the country is better equipped to defend national interests when disputes arise.