Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala optimistic about getting WTO job

Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former finance Minister has said that she is optimistic about her chances of getting the job of director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

She said that the role of the international trade organisation has become “more vital than ever”. She took to her Twitter handle this evening to write,

“Trade is a force for good, and (if) properly harnessed can help lift millions out of poverty and bring shared prosperity.

The role of WTO is more vital than ever. Let’s fight for a WTO that works for all”.

Okonjo-Iweala was nominated for the job of the Director-General of the WTO by the President of Nigeria, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

The President’s nomination was later backed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

When nominations for the position closed on July 8, six candidates including the former minister are jostling to become the next WTO head.

The other candidates include South Korean Trade Minister, Yoo Myung-hee; Kenya’s former foreign minister, Amina Mohamed; Mexico’s former WTO deputy director-general, Jesus Seade Kuri; Egyptian former diplomat, Hamid Mamdouh; and former Moldovan foreign minister, Tudor Ulianovschi.

The successful candidate will succeed the current Director-General, Mr Roberto Azevêdo. Azevêdo has announced that he will step down on August 31.