Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala Reappointed as WTO Director-General for Second Term
Nigerian economist Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been unanimously reappointed for a second four-year term as Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The decision, made on Friday, secures her leadership at the helm of the global trade body until 2028.
Trade sources speculate that the early reappointment may aim to preempt potential opposition from the incoming administration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, though the WTO has dismissed this suggestion. In 2020, Trump’s administration sought to block Okonjo-Iweala’s initial appointment, which only gained U.S. backing after Joe Biden took office.
Trump, who has a history of criticizing the WTO, often portrayed it as ineffective in resolving trade disputes. As he prepares to return to office in January, he has signaled plans to impose heavy tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China, moves that could violate U.S. trade commitments and heighten global trade tensions.
In response to her reappointment, Okonjo-Iweala expressed a commitment to fostering global cooperation.
"The WTO is looking forward to working with the new administration," she stated. "We plan to take a constructive and creative approach to address pressing trade challenges."
The former Nigerian finance minister reaffirmed her dedication to delivering impactful results, emphasizing her goal to improve the lives of people worldwide through fair and effective trade policies.
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