Biden backs Nigerian leader as first woman to head WTO, reverses Trump stand

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The Joe Biden administration has ended the deadlock over the next head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) by come out in strong support of Nigeria's ex-finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for the post, according to a <em>BBC</em> report. The move reverses the Trump administration's stand, opposing her candidacy.</p>
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Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala was frontrunner for the post until the Trump administration last October said it wanted another woman, South Korea's Yoo Myung-hee. Ms Yoo has now withdrawn her candidacy.</p>
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If confirmed in the role, Dr Okonjo-Iweala would be the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.</p>
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President Donald Trump – who had described the WTO as "horrible" and biased towards China – wanted Ms Yoo, South Korea's trade minister as the new chief.</p>
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Ms Yoo on Friday said her decision to withdraw her candidacy was made in "close consultation" with the US. She said: "South Korea will actively contribute to reaching consensus for the next WTO chief and co-operate with her and participate in the WTO reform process."</p>
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A WTO nominations committee in October recommended its 164 members appoint Dr Okonjo-Iweala as a replacement to outgoing chief Roberto Azevedo; a spokesman at the time said all had approved the appointment "except for one".</p>
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Dr Okonjo-Iweala on Friday praised her rival for the post and said: "There is vital work ahead to do together."</p>