WTO may seek to reappoint chief ahead of Trump presidency
World
WTO may seek to reappoint chief ahead of Trump presidency
GENEVA (Reuters) - The World Trade Organization is planning a special meeting of its top decision-making body later this month where a call could be made on the reappointment of its Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a document showed on Tuesday.
Trade sources said such a meeting appeared to be a route that could fast-track the appointment process to avoid any risk of it getting blocked by US President-elect Donald Trump, whose teams and allies have criticised both Okonjo-Iweala and the trade watchdog in the past.
The WTO document sent by the General Council chair said the first day of the Nov. 28-29 meeting would allow Okonjo-Iweala, a former Nigerian finance minister, to present her vision for the 166-member organisation and answer delegates' questions. The second day could provide "an opportunity for Members to take a decision on the appointment of the next Director-General", it said.
Okonjo-Iweala, 70, is the sole candidate for the job and told Reuters she wants to complete "unfinished business" from her first term which includes new rules on cutting fishing subsidies and finding a fix for its hobbled appeals court.
Dozens of countries have voiced support in recent WTO meetings for her reappointment after her term expires on Aug. 31, 2025. But some have privately observed that the WTO's election process, which typically lasts months, could allow for Trump's team to oppose her candidacy.
Trump is set to be inaugurated on Jan 20.
In 2020, his administration gave its support to a rival candidate and sought to block her first term. She secured US backing only when President Joe Biden succeeded Trump in the White House.
