U. S. expresses support for Okonjo- Iweala as DG of World Trade Organisation

THEU.

S. president, Joe Biden and the vice President, Kamala Harris have expressed support for the candidacy of Dr. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala as the next Director General of World Trade Organisation ( WTO).

Dr. Okonjo- Iweala they said brings a wealth of knowledge in economics and international diplomacy from her 25 years with the World Bank and two terms as Nigerian Finance Minister.

“She is widely respected for her effective leadership and has proven experience managing a large international organization with a diverse membership,” they add.

The Biden- Harris Administration also congratulated the Republic of Korea’s

Trade Minister, Yoo Myunghee on her strong campaign for the position as she also withdraws her candidacy.

According to them, Myunghee is a trailblazer as the Republic of Korea’s first female trade minister and the first candidate from Korea to advance this far in the Director General selection process.

Their words: “The United States respects her decision to withdraw her candidacy from the Director General race to help facilitate a consensus decision at the WTO.

“It is particularly important to underscore that two highly qualified women made it to the final round of consideration for the position of WTO Director General, the first time that any woman has made it to this stage in the history of the institution.”

AKWA IBOM State governor, Udom Emmanuel, has urged the United States of America ( USA) and its investors to partner with the state in the development of the Ibom Deep Seaport.

He made the call when the Chief of Political and Economic Affairs of the U. S. Consulate in Nigeria, Brandon Hudspeth visited him yesterday at Government House, Uyo.

Emmanuel, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Moses Ekpo, said the Seaport was conceived and programmed to be the flagship of the shipping industry, adding that it stemmed from its strategic location, which is endowed with natural draught and direct access to all parts of the world including the U. S.

He pointed out that the U. S. had enjoyed a robust bilateral relationship with Nigeria since the nation’s independence, adding that huge investment opportunities abound in the state for American investors to explore.

Speaking, Hudspeth said he visited the state as part of his tour of the Niger Delta region, saying it was a show of his country’s interest in the oil- rich region.