US opposes emergence of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of WTO

The United States has opposed the emergence of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Although Okonjo-Iweala is set to emerge winner of the race after enjoying the support of 104 out of the 164 members of WTO, USA’s opposition seems to be an encumbrance.

Despite being an American citizen, sources say the US does not consider Okonjo-Iweala as being committed enough to the interests of the world power at the flagship trade organisation.

Bloomberg had reported that the US was leaning towards Yoo Myung-hee, the South Korean candidate.

Bryce Baschuk, Bloomberg’s WTO reporter, also said on Wednesday that the US is opposed to Okonjo-Iweala’s emergence and the road forward remains “unclear.”

The heads of delegation of the WTO are to meet by and decide on the way.

Unlike the World Bank where the US has a larger voting power than other countries, the WTO is run differently, by the consensus of every member country.

“The WTO is run by its member governments. All major decisions are made by the membership as a whole.

“In this respect, the WTO is different from some other international organizations such as the World Bank and International Monetary Fund.

“Where consensus is not possible, the WTO agreement allows for voting — a vote being won with a majority of the votes cast and on the basis of ‘one country, one vote,” the WTO website reads.