As the World Trade Organisation (WTO) prepares to start the process for the appointment of a new director-general on December 1, WTO director-general Roberto Azevêdo, whose term ends on August 31, 2017, has confirmed his willingness to serve a second term.
In a letter to WTO general council chairperson Harald Neple, Azevêdo noted that he would be ready to serve a second term, allowing him the opportunity to build on the work he had achieved since first being appointed in September 2013.
“I believe we have achieved a great deal over this period. The coming years will present further opportunities to strengthen the global trading system, particularly for developing and least-developed countries,” he stated.
Azevêdo further noted that, during his tenure, the WTO demonstrated that it could deliver major negotiated outcomes; he cited the Ministerial Conferences held in Bali, Indonesia in 2013 and in Nairobi, Kenya in 2015.
“In addition, we have taken steps to strengthen the dispute settlement system and increase its resource allocation,” he said, adding that his team had also overseen the expansion of the WTO by welcoming five new countries.
Azevêdo noted that there remained important things to do to continue developing all areas of the WTO’s work, including capacity building.
The WTO needs to follow certain procedures when appointing a new director-general, including allowing members one month to nominate candidates and provide supporting information. Following that, the organisation will meet with the candidates and a subsequent consultation process to March 31, 2017 conducted by Neple, will take place.
The appointment will be settled by no later than May 31, 2017.