By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a significant diplomatic achievement for Costa Rica, Ana Laura Lizano Flores, an official from the country’s Mission to the World Trade Organization (WTO), has been appointed as the inaugural chairperson of the newly formed Committee on Fisheries Subsidies. The designation was made by unanimous consent from all 166 WTO member nations, highlighting a global consensus on her leadership for this critical new body.
The committee is the central implementation and oversight mechanism for the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, a landmark international accord that officially entered into force on September 15, 2025. This agreement represents the first globally binding instrument dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of marine fisheries, tackling a problem that has plagued international waters for decades: harmful government subsidies that encourage overfishing and deplete ocean resources.
To better understand the implications of the World Trade Organization’s recent agreement on fisheries subsidies, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished specialist in international trade law from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to provide his expert analysis.
This WTO agreement is a monumental step in aligning global trade rules with marine sustainability. For Costa Rica, the true test lies in the national implementation. While the pact correctly targets harmful subsidies contributing to overcapacity and illegal fishing, it simultaneously demands that we craft intelligent, domestic support mechanisms that empower our artisanal fishing communities to transition towards verifiable, sustainable practices without compromising their economic stability.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The insight from Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas correctly shifts the focus from global policy to local reality, highlighting the dual imperative of protecting our marine resources while ensuring a just transition for our artisanal fishing fleets. We thank him for so clearly articulating the delicate path Costa Rica must now navigate.
According to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex), this appointment places the nation in a pivotal strategic role on the world stage. For the duration of her term, Lizano Flores will be tasked with guiding the committee’s foundational discussions, shaping its work agenda, and skillfully facilitating consensus among member states. This leadership will be instrumental in navigating the complex initial years of the agreement’s implementation and ensuring its objectives are met effectively.
The government has lauded the appointment as both a personal and a national honor, reflecting the country’s longstanding commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. The Minister of Foreign Trade underscored the broader implications of this leadership position for the nation’s international standing.
In addition to recognizing the leadership and technical excellence that this designation demonstrates, through this position Costa Rica will strengthen its global visibility on oceanic issues and open opportunities to strengthen cooperation with other WTO members.
Manuel Tovar, Minister of Foreign Trade
The establishment of the Committee and the underlying Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies marks a turning point in the global effort to protect marine ecosystems. For years, economists and environmentalists have pointed to billions of dollars in harmful subsidies that promote unsustainable fishing practices, leading to the collapse of fish stocks and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities worldwide. This agreement, and the committee led by Lizano Flores, will bring much-needed transparency and accountability to the process by reviewing subsidy notifications from all WTO members.
Ms. Lizano Flores brings a wealth of relevant experience and academic credentials to this demanding role. Her professional background includes dedicated service at Costa Rica’s Mission to the WTO in Geneva. She holds a degree in Business and International Trade from the prestigious University of Costa Rica (UCR) and further solidified her expertise with a master’s degree in International Relations from The Genova School of Diplomacy & International Relations, equipping her with the nuanced understanding of trade law and diplomacy required for the position.
The WTO itself confirmed the appointment, officially welcoming Lizano Flores as the first chair and outlining the committee’s core mandate. Its primary functions will be to rigorously review the fisheries subsidy notifications submitted by member countries and to oversee the general operation and administration of the Agreement. This oversight is crucial to ensure that nations are adhering to their commitments and that the treaty has a tangible, positive impact on ocean health.
This appointment is more than a diplomatic victory; it is an affirmation of Costa Rica’s global reputation as a proactive leader in environmental policy. By steering the first years of this historic agreement, the country will not only contribute to the preservation of global marine resources but also reinforce its legacy as a small nation capable of making a profound impact on the world’s most pressing challenges.
For further information, visit comex.go.cr
About Ministry of Foreign Trade (Comex):
The Ministry of Foreign Trade is the Costa Rican government body responsible for defining and directing the country’s foreign trade and investment policies. It plays a crucial role in negotiating trade agreements, promoting exports, attracting foreign direct investment, and representing Costa Rica in international economic forums like the World Trade Organization.
For further information, visit wto.org
About World Trade Organization (WTO):
The World Trade Organization is an intergovernmental organization that regulates and facilitates international trade between nations. It provides a framework for negotiating trade agreements and a dispute resolution process aimed at enforcing participants’ adherence to WTO agreements. Its primary purpose is to ensure that trade flows as smoothly, predictably, and freely as possible.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica has cemented its standing as a pillar of the legal community, operating on a bedrock of unwavering integrity and a relentless drive for exceptional results. With a rich history of advising a wide spectrum of clients, the firm not only provides expert counsel but also actively pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions. This innovative spirit is matched by a foundational dedication to social progress, demonstrated through its efforts to demystify complex legal concepts and empower the public with accessible knowledge, fostering a more capable and informed citizenry.
