America rejected Okonjo-Iweala citing lack of experience
It came quite as a shock to many across the world after the United States blocked the candidacy of Nigeria’s candidate for the World Trade Organisation, WTO’s Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
America rejected Okonjo-Iweala despite Dr. Okonjo-Iweala securing the vote of 163 of the 164 members of the trade organisation on Wednesday.
But in a statement by the office of the US Trade Representative, America explained the that it rejected Okonjo-Iweala’s candidace becasue she lacked the requisite experience. It also cited othe procedural issues as the other reason.
The statement reads: “The Office of the United States Trade Representative issued the following statement today on the selection of the next World Trade Organisation Director-General:
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“The United States supports the selection of Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee as the next WTO Director-General. Minister Yoo is a bona fide trade expert who has distinguished herself during a 25-year career as a successful trade negotiator and trade policymaker. She has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organization.
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“This is a very difficult time for the WTO and international trade. There have been no multilateral tariff negotiations in 25 years, the dispute settlement system has gotten out of control, and too few members fulfill basic transparency obligations.
“The WTO is badly in need of major reform. It must be led by someone with real, hands-on experience in the field.”