WTO: Okonjo-Iweala Gets Support From 79 Countries

Former Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has revealed that she has the support of 79 countries in her drive to emerge as the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Okonjo-Iweala while speaking during a virtual press conference on Friday, said the 55-man African Union (AU) has officially endorsed her over her only opponent, Yoo Myung-hee of South Korea.

She further stated that a group of Caribbean and Pacific states have also promised her their support, bringing the number of countries backing her candidacy to 79.

She remains “optimistic” about support from Latin America and said she felt she had gotten “very good traction and good support” in Asia so far.

The European Union (EU) are due to announce its preference “soon”.

“I feel the wind behind my back.”

“I feel quite confident that across the regions, we will be able to attract support,” Okonjo-Iweala added.