Wednesday, July 15, 2026

European Union endorses Okonjo-Iweala for WTO role

The United States is backing South Korean Yoo Myung-hee to be director-general of the World Trade Organisation.

• October 27, 2020
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Credit: Twitter)
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Credit: Twitter)

The European Union has endorsed former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation, Bloomberg reported. 

The business news outlet cited anonymous officials familiar with the matter that all the 27 EU member countries agreed on Monday in Brussels to support Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala.

Bloomberg also reported that the United States has decided to back Yoo Myung-hee, South Korea’s trade minister, for the role.

The position has been fiercely contested amongst candidates of different countries since Roberto Azevedo resigned in August.

Last month, Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala and Ms. Myung-hee were selected as the last two candidates in the contest.

The EU’s endorsement is seen as a significant boost for Mrs. Okonjo Iweala’s candidacy, with the final winner expected to merge between her and Ms. Myung-hee by November 7.

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