US backs Okonjo-Iweala for WTO job

The United States government has announced its endorsement of former the Nigerian minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, to emerge as the director general of the World Trade Organisation.

It stated this in a statement by its office of trade representative.

Indication came on Friday that Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance minister and World Bank executive, would clinch the post after her final challenger to the position, South Korean Trade Minister and candidate, Yoo Myung-hee, withdrew from the race.

Yoo said she took the decision after discussions with the US and other major nations, a statement from Korea’s trade ministry said on Friday.

She also took various issues into account “comprehensively” including the need to revitalise the multilateral organization, reports said Friday.

The US statement stated, “The United States takes note of today’s decision by the Republic of Korea’s Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee to withdraw her candidacy for Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

“The Biden-Harris Administration is pleased to express its strong support for the candidacy of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next Director General of the WTO. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala brings a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy from her 25 years with the World Bank and two terms as Nigerian Finance Minister.

“She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organization with a diverse membership.

The Biden-Harris Administration also congratulates Minister Yoo Myung-hee on her strong campaign for this position. She is a trailblazer as the Republic of Korea’s first female trade minister and the first candidate from Korea to advance this far in the director general selection process.

“The United States respects her decision to withdraw her candidacy from the director general race to help facilitate a consensus decision at the WTO.”