UPDATE: Okonjo-Iweala Scales WTO DG Last Hurdle As South Korea Reportedly Withdraws Candidate—-The coast is clear as all is set for Nigeria’s former minister of finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to emerge next Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) as South Korea has decided to withdraw its candidate.
According to a report by Washington Trade Daily, South Korea has withdrawn its candidate, Yoo Myung-hee who until now was the only remaining challenger in the race.
The former Nigerian minister had secured the popular vote by a wide margin on October 28 but was not named DG because the US opposed her candidacy.
However, there are speculations that the US might change its stance following Donald Trump’s failure to get re-elected as president.
After the October 28 meeting, the WTO also said Okonjo-Iweala had the best chance of getting a consensus.
Washington Trade Daily quoted sources as saying South Korea has notified the US of its decision and is expected to make it public “in the coming days”.
“Washington refused to accept the recommendation made by the selection panel chaired by General Council Chair Ambassador David Walker that Ms Okonjo-Iweala is the candidate most likely of the two to attract consensus because she clearly carried the largest support by members in the final round and clearly enjoyed broad support from members from all levels of development and from all geographic regions and has done so throughout the process,” the report read.
“Yoo from Korea failed to receive enough support from members of all levels of development -1e., the developed, developing and least developing countries, as well as geographically in comparison to the “largest” support received by Ms Okonjo-Iweala.”
The November 8 general council meeting scheduled to consider the appointment of the next DG was also postponed.
Another general council meeting has been scheduled for December 17
