Joe Biden endorses Okonjo-Iweala for WTO top job

The Joe Biden led United States Government has endorsed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former minister of finance, for the office of the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO)

A statement released by the office of the US Trade Representative stated that the Joe Biden led government is pleased to support the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala.

The statement read “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 Organization (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.”

At some point some, US leaders including Nobel Laureate Joseph Stiglitz, had sent a letter to President Biden, urging him to support the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala.

They stated that she would be the first American and woman of colour to serve as the WTO’s director-general, stating that this “will send a clear message of inclusion to the rest of the world”.

Okonjo-Iweala’s election had however faced stiff opposition from the Donald Trump government, who had visibly backed the South Korean candidate, Yoo Mhung-Hee.

The Trump led government had suspended the selection process before the 2020 US election.

However, with Joe Biden’s election as the 46th POTUS and his desire for a US reintegration plan into the rest of the world, there are positive signs that Okonjo-Iweala would lead the WTO.

Once confirmed by the WTO, Okonjo-Iweala is expected to lead the WTO from 2021 to 2025.