“NFTC congratulates Ambassador Azevedo on today’s announcement. We admire 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.
“The next head of the WTO faces two critical tasks in steering the membership toward a successful outcome to the ministerial conference this December in Indonesia and building consensus toward a broader agenda to modernize trade rules for the digital age. We look forward to the conclusion of the selection process and working to further the important work of the WTO over the coming months.”
Following this announcement, under WTO rules, a General Council meeting will be convened no later than May 31, when member countries will be asked to formally take a decision to appoint the new Director-General. See the WTO’s outline of the Director-General selection process at: http://www.wto.org/english/thewto_e/dg_e/dg_selection_process_e.htm
Jake Colvin is available for comment. If you’d like to schedule an interview, please contact Jennifer Cummings at jcummings@fratelli.com or 202-822-9491.
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About the NFTC
Advancing Global Commerce for Nearly A Century- The National Foreign Trade Council (www.nftc.org) is a leading business organization advocating an open, rules- based global trading system. Founded in 1914 by a broad-based group of American companies, the NFTC now serves hundreds of member companies through its offices in Washington and New York.
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