The tug-of-war over new rules for world trade has tested the patience of negotiators at the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial meeting in Abu Dhabi, with disagreements postponing a final session.
Participants in the talks said that an agreement on fisheries emerged around midday on Friday, with a draft calling for a reduction in subsidies that lead to overfishing or overcapacity.
The goal is to maintain stable, sustainable fisheries where only as many fish are harvested as can be naturally replenished, and that no more fishing boats are built and used than are necessary.
Also on the table was the demand from many countries to extend an agreement that prevents customs duties on electronic transmissions. The deal has been in force since 1998 but is set to expire this year if it is not extended.
The meeting's final session was originally scheduled to end on Thursday, but has now been repeatedly delayed as negotiators seek an agreement. A final session is currently scheduled for 8pm local time (1600 GMT).