[ad_1]
The World Trade Organization (WTO) has just announced that Director-General Roberto Azevedo will leave this position from August 31. This is a very surprising move in the context of the WTO’s fight to curb global trade tensions and coordinate with Covid-19.
Roberto Azevêdo, Director General of the World Trade Organization, plays an important role in promoting international trade cooperation. Experts say that during his time in office, he had many disagreements with the administration of President Donald Trump.
Follow WTOMr. Azevêdo, 62, was previously a top Brazilian negotiator and has been working in Geneva since 1997. He will formally leave the post of WTO Director-General on 31 August after taking office. Since 2013, according to the schedule, Mr. Azevedo will end the second 4-year term at the end of August 2021.
WTO activities have encountered many difficulties since the end of last year compared to pressure from the Trump administration. Washington refused to approve the appointment to fill the vacancies for its judges in the settlement of disputes between member states in late 2019.
Mr. Azevedo’s departure surprised officials from international organizations based in Geneva and Brussels when the WTO lost a supporter of free trade and international cooperation. However, this point of view conflicts with President Trump, who prioritizes bilateral power in politics.
However, Roberto Azevedo said the resignation was an “individual decision” after talking to his family, not because of health problems or political ambitions, especially tensions with Washington. Instead, he wanted to give countries time to succeed because it was a difficult process.
In the WTO announcement to member countries, Azevedo said this decision is also in the best interest of the organization.
Sharing in an online meeting on the afternoon of May 14, Mr. Azevedo said: “When countries begin to build the WTO agenda for a new post-Covid state, they should start with a CEO. new”.
“The selection process can distract us or, what is worse, stop and look for the desired results. We can spend valuable time in a politically fragile process in the past, “he declared.
Azevedo resigned, leaving a vacuum at a time of danger to the global economy.
According to United States Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer, although the WTO has many shortcomings, Azevedo has handled this organization intelligently and consistently. “It’s difficult to find a replacement,” said Lighthizer.
Native dancers
Follow NYT
[ad_2]
