* WTO has never been led by an African or by a woman before
* Okonjo-Iweala says WTO challenges "not insoluble"
* Says will seek to boost Africa's share of world trade
* Stresses need for reform, including of appeals court
(Adds additional comments on Tuesday)
By Emma Farge
GENEVA, June 30 (Reuters) - Nigeria's candidate to head the
World Trade Organization (WTO) said she feels "strong support"
from Africa and expects African leaders to unite behind one
candidate as sources following the race said she is gaining
broader backing.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a former finance and foreign minister
who has 25 years experience at the World Bank, is seeking to
replace Brazil's Roberto Azevedo who announced last month he
would step down on Aug. 31, in a surprise move at a critical
juncture for the body. Africa has struggled in the past to unite behind one
candidate and the Geneva-based watchdog has never been led by
someone from the continent before, nor by a woman, and there is
broad feeling it is Africa's turn.
"I cannot presume for any group but I can tell you that I
feel strong support from the region," she told Reuters late on
Monday, saying she was having "very constructive conversations"
among the 164 members.
One delegate described her as "definitely the favourite",
especially since European Trade Commissioner Phil Hogan dropped
out, and likely to be acceptable to China and the United States.
On Tuesday Okonjo-Iweala told a Geneva briefing she wanted
to raise Africa's share of world trade from the current 3
percent, though gave no target figure.
Asked how the WTO could help the world recover from the
COVID-19 pandemic, she stressed the need to ensure any export
restrictions were "temporary, transparent and proportionate so
we make sure they do not harm other members".
FULL IN-TRAY
The new head's in-tray includes overseeing reforms,
clinching a long-overdue multilateral trade deal and dealing
with growing protectionism and U.S.-China trade tensions as well
as tackling the post-COVID-19 global recession.
"The problems are very deep and challenging but they are not
insoluble," she said, stressing the need for reform including of
the body's top court which is a priority for Washington.
Critics say she does not have enough direct trade experience
but she says being an outsider is an advantage. Backers laud her
negotiating skills, including a deal to cancel billions of
dollars of Nigerian debt.
Nominations are open until July 8.
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