EGN NEWS DESK
Neither Trump nor his marketing campaign has explicitly stated they oppose Okonjo-Iweala getting a second time period. But Trump’s former U.S. commerce consultant, Robert Lighthizer, labeled her as “China’s ally in Geneva” in his 2023 ebook, “No Trade Is Free.”
Speedy process: For its half, the Biden administration has expressed concern concerning the WTO’s accelerated course of to offer Okonjo-Iweala a second time period.
That was completed on the request of African nations, who argued reappointing her early would assist preparations for the WTO’s subsequent ministerial convention in late 2025 or early 2026. However, that was extensively seen as an try to keep away from the potential for Trump blocking her a second time if he received the U.S. presidential election.
Okonjo-Iweala’s first time period ends on Aug. 31, 2025. Normally, the nomination course of for the following WTO chief would start 9 months earlier than then on Dec. 1. Instead, Ølberg opened the nomination course of on Oct. 8, after consulting with members concerning the African Group’s request for an early begin.
All eyes on U.S.: The workplace of U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai didn’t reply Friday to questions on whether or not it could help giving Okonjo-Iweala a second time period when the difficulty is put to WTO members on the December General Council assembly.
If the United States or one other member objects to Okonjo-Iweala serving a second time period, Ølberg is predicted to seek the advice of with members about what to do.
