Nigeria’s nominee, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has been shortlisted for the position of Director-General of World Trade Organisation (WTO).
This is coming after three member countries dropped from the race.
A statement released by the agency disclosed Mexico’s Jesus Seade, Egypt’s Hamid Mamdouh and Moldova’s Tudor Ulianovschi would not proceed to the next stage due to the low votes recorded after the first round of voting.
According to him, the votes showed that member countries have a preference for five of the eight candidates which include Nigeria’s nominee, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
“Their expertise and high professional and personal qualities are highly valued and respected by all members,” WTO General Council Chairman, David Walker said
The remaining countries still in the race for the position of Director-General include:
Saudi Arabia’s former minister of economy and planning: Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri,
UK’s former secretary of state for international trade; Liam Fox,
South Korea’s trade minister; Yoo Myung-hee,
Nigeria’s former Minister of Finance; Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; al
Kenya’s former international trade minister; Amina Chawahir Mohamed Jibril.