Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote has endorsed Dr Nogzi Okonjo-Iweala for the World Trade Organization (WTO) top job.
Aliko Dangote gave his support to Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala where he took to his official Twitter account on Tuesday 1st September 2020, to say that the former World Bank Managing Director and Nigeria’s former Minister, with her experience and renowned skills, has what it takes to head the WTO.
He said:
“In these challenging times, World Trade Organisation (WTO) needs the renowned skills and tested experience of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, to lead the organisation through identified obstacles and strengthen its position as the prime facilitator of international trade,” he tweeted.
Aliko Dangote adding further said:
“A vote for her by all is a step in the right direction. I fully endorse the candidature of Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to lead the WTO,” he added.
Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala and some other top names around the world are justling to become the new Director-General of WTO, as Roberto Azevêdo leaves after seven years in the position.
The new WTO chief will be tasked with managing the trade war between China and the United States, initiate reforms in the face of rising protectionism and steer the world to new trade pastures in the face of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The outgoing Director-General, Roberto Azevedo in a statement released on Tuesday, said:
“It has been an immense honour to serve as WTO Director-General. My message as I end my tenure today: the multilateral trading system is – as its architects intended – a fundamental pillar of global peace and prosperity.
Rules-based trade remains a source of order and predictability in international economic relations. This drives investment, growth, development, and job creation – all of which are more critical than ever.
The WTO reform process must continue for the system to stay responsive to the needs of the global community. International cooperation is not easy, but it is necessary to meet the needs of an interconnected world. Without cooperation, all countries will be worse off.
I will continue to champion the multilateral trading system in all of my future roles,” he said.
Aside from Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, other candidates are from Egypt, South Korea, Mexico, Moldova, Kenya, Mexico and Saudi Arabia that will vie for the top job at the WTO, seeking to convince its 164 members they can steer the body through intensifying global trade tensions and rising protectionism.