Brazilian to head WTO
The World Trade Organization has settled on Roberto Azevedo of Brazil, a well-known diplomat and consummate insider in Geneva circles, to serve as its director-general for the next four years, officials said Tuesday.
Azevedo won by positioning himself as someone who could turn around — even heal — the organization as it struggles for relevancy in global trade negotiations.
The directorship is chosen by consensus in a complex and secretive process, and the runnerup is expected to concede afterward.
Diplomats emerged from consultations Tuesday to rush past journalists out of the building, barely acknowledging that Azevedo had defeated Mexican former trade minister Herminio Blanco in the final round.
In Washington, Jack Colvin, a vice-president of the National Foreign Trade Council, said Azevedo’s selection reflects “his extensive experience and deep familiarity with international trade institutions and processes on behalf of Brazil and the focus he has placed on consensus-building in Geneva.”