Okonjo-Iweala Wins Second Term As WTO Chief

World Trade Organization (WTO) chief Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala expressed eagerness to collaborate with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming trade team, while taking a cautious approach to his proposed tariffs, AP reported.

Okonjo-Iweala secured a second four-year term as WTO Director-General following an uncontested vote by member countries. I Photo: World Trade Organization Facebook

Okonjo-Iweala secured a second four-year term as WTO Director-General following an uncontested vote by member countries. Speaking to reporters in Geneva, she said she looks forward to engaging with the U.S. administration despite Trump’s history of skepticism toward the WTO.

“I am eager to work with President Trump and his new appointees,” Okonjo-Iweala said.

While Trump threatened to withdraw the U.S. from the WTO during his first term, she emphasized the organization’s critical role in global trade, stating, "The WTO underpins 75 to 80% of global goods trade."

Okonjo-Iweala also highlighted the WTO’s importance in protecting intellectual property and ensuring product safety, areas of interest to the U.S.

She expressed optimism about advancing key agreements, such as phasing out $22 billion in harmful fisheries subsidies that endanger marine ecosystems.