The European Union has endorsed former Nigerian finance minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as the next director-general of the World Trade Organisation, Bloomberg reported.
The business news outlet cited anonymous officials familiar with the matter that all the 27 EU member countries agreed on Monday in Brussels to support Mrs. Okonjo-Iweala.
Bloomberg also reported that the United States has decided to back Yoo Myung-hee, South Korea’s trade minister, for the role.
The position has been fiercely contested amongst candidates of different countries since Roberto Azevedo resigned in August.
Last month, Okonjo-Iweala and Myung-hee were selected as the last two candidates in the contest.
The EU’s endorsement is seen as a significant boost for Okonjo-Iweala’s candidacy, with the final winner expected to emerge between her and Myung-hee by November 7.
