"I Was Surprised Trump Opposed My Candidacy" Okonjo-Iweala

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria's former Finance Minister, says she was surprised that President Donald Trump's administration could stand in her way of leading the World Trade Organisation (WTO). At a press briefing monitored by DailyTrust, the new Director-General of WTO said she did not see it coming.

She said she felt she had a good understanding with the US government, which interviewed her about the job twice.

"I think I was quite surprised when that came (opposition from Trump) because there was no indication that there was any problem with the US.
"I had two good interviews with the authorities and with the administration, so it was a surprise. But that's the way life works. When things happen, you take them in your stride and you move on.
"It was wonderful when the Biden/Harris administration broke that logjam. They joined the consensus and gave such a strong endorsement to my candidacy. They joined the other 163 members to endorse my candidacy," she said.

Earlier on Friday, it became clear that Okonjo-Iweala, a former World Bank executive, would clinch the coveted post after her final challenger, South Korean Trade Minister and candidate, Yoo Myung-hee, announced her withdrawal.

Although 163 member countries had elected Okonjo-Iweala in October, the US under Trump was critical of WTO's global trade handling, saying South Korea's Yoo Myung-hee could reform the body.

The four-month selection process for the next WTO director-general hit a roadblock when Washington said it would continue to back South Korea's trade minister. The US had said WTO "must be led by someone with real, hands-on experience in the field".

"Ms Yoo has distinguished herself as a trade expert and has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organisation.
"This is a tough time for the WTO and international trade. There have been no multilateral tariff negotiations in 25 years, the dispute settlement system has gotten out of control, and too few members fulfil basic transparency obligations. The WTO is badly in need of major reform," said the office of US Trade Representative, which advises Trump.

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Posted: at 16-02-2021 09:59 AM (3 years ago) | Addicted Hero

Mama, what did you expect from a Racist? Through it all, God decorated your face with smile, joy and happiness.

Posted: at 16-02-2021 10:45 AM (3 years ago) | Gistmaniac

Okonjo Iweala was really surprised, because she is an American citizen.

Posted: at 16-02-2021 04:17 PM (3 years ago) | Upcoming

Yes my dear, the truth remains that Trump is a Racist. Racism runs in his blood. That is the only thing that made him to disgraced out of office. Because of his immigration policy. He hate blacks and you forgot that blacks made America what they are today. The policy of bringing in classes of people from all over the world have made America the favorite nation in the eyes of God. And that man called Trump changed everything over night. What a flop??? Huuhhh??

Posted: at 17-02-2021 05:17 PM (3 years ago) | Newbie