Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance and foreign minister who
has more than 25 years experience at the World Bank, is seeking
to replace Brazil's Roberto Azevedo who announced last month he
would step down on Aug. 31, in a surprise move at a critical
juncture for the body.
Africa has struggled in the past to unite behind one candidate
and the Geneva-based watchdog has never been led by someone from
the continent before, nor by a woman, and there is broad feeling
it is Africa's turn.
"I cannot presume for any group but I can tell you that I feel
strong support from the region," she told Reuters late on
Monday, saying she was having "very constructive conversations"
among the 164 members.
One delegate described her as "definitely the favourite",
especially since European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan dropped
out, and likely to be acceptable to China and the United States.
Egypt's Hamid Mamdouh, a former WTO official, is also a
candidate and was endorsed by the African Union months ago,
before Okonjo-Iweala's candidacy was announced.
For a Factbox of candidates, click here:
The new head's in-tray includes overseeing reforms, clinching a
long-overdue multilateral trade deal, coping with a post-COVID
recession as well as growing protectionism and U.S.-China trade
tensions.
"The problems are very deep and challenging but they are not
insoluble," she said, stressing the need for reform including of
the body's top court which is a priority for Washington.
Critics say she does not have enough direct trade experience but
she says being an outsider is an advantage. Backers laud her
negotiating skills, including a deal to cancel billions of
dollars of Nigerian debt.
"Over my long career I've managed to build relationships and
platforms at levels high enough to be able to dialogue with the
right people," she said.
Nominations are open until July 8 at the WTO, which
traditionally chooses a chief by consensus.
(Reporting by Emma Farge; editing by Stephanie Nebehay and
Gareth Jones)
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