Fisheries and aquaculture play an important role in the economies of many countries in North Africa and Middle East. Fish processing for export in many of these countries represent a significant source of hard currency earnings and employment. Internationally, the regulatory framework of the WTO with its various relevant agreements play an important role in governing international fish trade, including those exports originating from North Africa and Middle East. At the same time, the ongoing multilateral trade negotiations in the WTO’s Doha Development Agenda have increased the need for local and regional capacity-building on all relevant issues pertaining to fisheries trade. Emerging issues such as the use of ecolabels and private standards are also creating opportunities and challenges for seafood exporters. Importance of aquaculture is growing in number of countries in the region and there are number of SPS issues to be addressed at primary production level.

In this respect, FAO and INFOSAMAK co-organized a regional workshop on: “impact of WTO consultations on fisheries and aquaculture” which was held in Casablanca – Kingdom of Morocco during the period from 15th through 17th March, 2010. The workshop benefited to participants who have deep knowledge of WTO issues and have been even involved in WTO negotiations.