We need to get global economy running again amid Covid-19 pandemic, says Okonjo-Iweala

THE newly appointed Director-General, World Trade Organisation, WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has said she will hit the ground running on assuming office in March 1, 2021.

Against this background, the former Nigerian Finance Miniater, has set key agenda to pursue as WTO chief.

In maiden speech as WTO DG, Okonjo-Iweala said a key priority for her would be to work with members to quickly address the economic and health consequences brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said she was honoured to have been selected by the WTO members as DG.

“I am honoured to have been selected by WTO members as WTO Director-General,” said Okonjo-Iweala.

According to her, a strong WTO was vital for full recovery deom the devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

She said she looked forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses needed to get the global economy going again.

In her words: “A strong WTO is vital if we are to recover fully and rapidly from the devastation wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

“I look forward to working with members to shape and implement the policy responses we need to get the global economy going again.

“Our organization faces a great many challenges but working together we can collectively make the WTO stronger, more agile and better adapted to the realities of today.”

The 66-year-old former Nigerian Minister of Finance was appointed as Director-General, WTO on Monday, making history as the first woman and the first African to head the organisation.