ISMAIL LAGARDIEN: Don’t expect Okonjo-Iweala’s WTO to root for Africa
The World Trade Organisation (WTO) finally seems set to get a new director-general, Nigeria’s Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. There is even a degree of optimism that the Doha round of negotiations may resume.
However, it would be disingenuous not to mention that the multilateral system, of which the WTO is a cornerstone, needs radical reform. We can get the idea of radical reform out of the way because it is unlikely to happen anytime soon. At least not while the US and Europe have effective control over the WTO. Not while they continue to believe the global trade regime benefits them. Not while free trade remains dogma, and especially not while they continue to self-select, or endorse, preferred candidates for positions of power...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.