Addressing the World Trade Organization General Council immediately after taking office on 1 March, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on members to “do things differently” to achieve reforms necessary to keep the WTO relevant, starting with swift action to curb harmful fisheries subsidies, and to help scale up COVID-19 vaccine production and distribution. The new head of the WTO noted that high expectations for her tenure can only be met if members are willing to compromise and reach agreements.
DG Okonjo-Iweala suggested that prospects for a successful Twelfth Ministerial Conference would be enhanced if members target a manageable number of deliverables for this year, and set up longer work programmes to address issues that cannot realistically be resolved within that timeframe.
Caribbean tweets below
Chad Blackman @Bajandiplomat “Barbados is pleased to welcome new @wto Director-General Dr.@NOIweala to the @wto on her first day, and in the ongoing General Council Meeting. @pmbdosgeneva“
@CaribXport welcomes @NOIweala on her first day wishing her every success. Her #success is ours in the #Caribbean.Our survival as small vulnerable #SIDS depends on a fairer #trade system. @CARICOMorg@oecscommission
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade GOJ @mfaftja “Dr. Okonjo-Iweala is well placed to co-pilot global economic governance to, limit the impact that COVID-19 shocks may pose to the intl. economy.” – Sen. The Hon.@Kaminajsmith today, (March 1) on Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s formal assumption of duties as the Director General, WTO.