The World Trade Organisation (WTO) could soon appoint the first woman and African to take the helm after the White House publicly endorsed her.
Nigerian economist Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, is the frontrunner to take over as director-general after South Korea’s trade minister, Yoo Myung-hee, ended her campaign.https://d-747159712418829237.ampproject.net/2101230412005/frame.html
“In order to promote the functions of WTO and in consideration of various factors, I have decided to withdraw my candidacy,” Yoo said.
Okonjo-Iweala, who previously stressed the need for the WTO to play a role in helping poorer nations with COVID-19 vaccines — an issue on which its 164 members have failed to agree —praised Yoo for the post.
She said: “There is vital work ahead to do together.”
President Joe Biden’s administration announced its “strong support” for Nigeria’s former finance minister on Friday. It also congratulated Yoo on her “strong campaign” for the role and for being a “trailblazer” as South Korea’s first female trade minister.
The Biden administration said that the “US stands ready to engage in the next phase of the WTO process for reaching a consensus decision on the WTO Director General,” in a statement.