On Friday, the United States announced support for the emergence of the next Director General of the World Trade Organisation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (WTO).
The announcement by the US Trade Representative’s office followed the decision by Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee of the Republic of Korea to put an end to her candidacy.
The statement expressed the strong support of President Joe Biden’s administration for Nigeria’s former Finance Minister.
Okonjo’s experience in economics and international diplomacy from her 25 years with the World Bank has been acknowledged.
“She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organization with a diverse membership”, it read.
Myung-hee, the first female Trade Minister of South Korea, was hailed by the U.S. government for her bid for the role and her withdrawal.
America stressed that the final round of consideration was reached by two highly qualified women, the first time in history that any woman made it to the stage.
“The United States stands ready to engage in the next phase of the WTO process for reaching a consensus decision on the WTO Director General”, the statement added.
