Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the new director-general of the World
Trade Organization (WTO), says she was surprised to learn that the US
administration led by Donald Trump blocked her selection as WTO DG.
Speaking at her first press briefing as the incoming WTO DG,
Okonjo-Iweala said she had two interviews with the Trump admin and there was no
indication of opposition.
“I think I was quite surprised when that came at the
decision-making meeting because there had been no indication previously that there
was any problem with the US,” Okonjo-Iweala said.
“I had had two very good interviews with the authorities in
the administration. So it was a surprise. But you know, that is the way life
works and when things happen, you take them in your strides and move on.”
Okonjo-Iweala had garnered the support of 162 countries out
of the total 164 states that make up the WTO. But at the decision-making
meeting, the US said the WTO is in dire need of reform and must be “led by
someone with real, hands-on experience in the field”.
The world power put its weight behind South Korea’s Yoo
Mhung-Hee, whom it referred to as a bona fide trade expert.
“Minister Yoo is a bona fide trade expert who has
distinguished herself during a 25-year career as a successful trade negotiator
and trade policymaker. She has all the
skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organization,” the US trade
representative had said.
The former minister of finance in Nigeria eventually got the
nod from the Joe Biden and Kamala Harris administration.
“It was absolutely wonderful when the Biden-Harris
administration came in and broke that logjam, joined the consensus, and gave me
such a strong endorsement,” she added.
Okonjo-Iweala who would become the first female and first
African to lead the WTO said she feels a burden not to disappoint Africans and
women across the world.
She will assume office on March 1, 2021 for a tenure that
ends in August 2025.
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