WTO: Eurpean Union Approves Okonjo-Iweala’s Nomination

European Representatives of countries in the European Unionh as approved the choice of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the position of director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Naija News Understands that the approval was given by European Union General Assembly.

Quoting sources familiar with the matter, the news agency reports that the country representatives also agreed to support Yoo Myung-hee, South Korea’s candidate.

At present, the eight candidates that expressed interest in the WTO job have been reduced to five candidates by WTO members countries.

The second phase of consultations which began on September 24 will end on October

During this time, members will be asked in the confidential consultations to express two preferences to the facilitators thus reducing the number of candidates from five to two.

Other candidates in the race are Amina C. Mohamed of Kenya, Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Liam Fox of the United Kingdom.

Jesus Seade Kuri of Mexico, Tudor Ulianovschi of Moldova and Abdel-Hamid Mamdouh of Egypt were eliminated from the process.

It is expected that the next WTO DG will be announced on November 7.