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YOO Myung-hee, South Korean Trade Minister, has withdrawn from the race to secure the position of director general of the World Trade Organization, WTO.
This leaves Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian finance minister, as the only remaining contender for the top job thus making it possible for other WTO members to approve her appointment soonest. Yoo’s withdrawal comes after dozens of former U.S. government officials urged President Joe Biden to endorse Okonjo-Iweala after the Trump administration blocked her selection.
Once confirmed, Okonjo-Iweala will be the first woman to lead the organisation.
Since the election of President Joe Biden, some prominent Nigerians urged him to support the candidacy of Okonjo-Iweala without delay.
Prof. Akpan Hogan Ekpo, former vice chancellor of University of Uyo and director general of West African Institute for Financial and Economic Management said: Biden should support her without delay because “She has the experience. She has dealt with trade matters. As an Economist you cannot be an expert in development without dealing with trade, that is, the external sector.”
He added: “Nigeria should lobby President Biden and open discussions with China, including Britain. Nigeria should contact influential American to talk to President Biden. Lobbying former President Obama may not be a bad idea.”
– Feb. 5, 2021 @ 14:13 GMT |
Tags: Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala now only contender for WTO top job
