Bridges Weekly Trade News Digest • Volume 12 • Number 34 • 16th October 2008
Hunt for New WTO Chief to Commence 1 December
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The process for appointing a new Director-General of the WTO is set to commence on 1 December, according to the chair of the WTO’s General Council, Australian Bruce Gosper.
The current head of the global trade body, Frenchman Pascal Lamy, must tell the General Council Chair by 1 December whether he wants to be considered a for a second, and final, four-year term. Lamy has led the organisation since 1 September 2005.
According to the selection process outlined in 2002 (WT/L/509), Members have one month after the start of the appointment process - 1 December - to nominate candidates.
During the following three months, from January to March, contenders will interact with the WTO Membership, discuss their trade views, and have an opportunity to present their vision for the WTO at a formal General Council meeting.
In April and May, the list of nominees will be whittled down through a series of General Council consultations, as those candidates with the least amount of support will be asked to withdraw from the process.
After the final round of consultations, the Chair will submit the candidate most likely to attract consensus to the General Council, formally recommending their appointment as Director General. Voting would only be resorted to in the event that no consensus is reached. This process will conclude by 31 May 2009.
Lamy, a former EU Trade Commissioner, has so far refused to disclose his intentions on reappointment. But speculation is rife that the current Director-General is not yet ready to throw in the towel on the struggling Doha Round, and may seek re-selection.
While the formal procedures state “there shall be no expectation of automaticity in the reappointment,” some say that a decision by Lamy to seek reappointment might discourage others from entering the race.
ICTSD reporting; “WTO launches search for new chief,” REUTERS, 14 October 2008; “WTO Members call for more TRIPS talks; Director post may open up,” INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY WATCH, 14 October 2008.
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