Home FOREIGN WTO Job: I Have The Support Of 79 Countries – Okonjo-Iweala

WTO Job: I Have The Support Of 79 Countries – Okonjo-Iweala

 Okonjo Iweala

Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said that at least 79 out of 164 member countries of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) have so far endorsed her bid to lead the crisis-hit organization.

Okonjo-Iweala, at a virtual press conference today, October 16, promised to champion reform in the agency, even as she expressed delight that the 55-member countries of the African Union had also officially supported her over South Korean Yoo Myung-hee.

“I feel the wind behind my back,” adding that a group of Caribbean and Pacific states had also said they would back her candidature for the WTO top job.

She is also optimistic that countries in Latin America and the European Union would support her bid for WTO director-general’s position which became vacant in August after Brazilian diplomat, Roberto Avezedo, stepped down from the position.

“We have had very good traction and good support in Asia so far. I feel quite confident that across the regions, we will be able to attract support.”

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