[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Hyowon] The Japanese government has reportedly solidified its stance to support Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, a Nigerian candidate, in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General election, Kyodo News reported on the 25th, citing multiple Japanese government officials.
Although the WTO Director-General does not intervene in individual disputes, the Japanese government is believed to have judged that if Yoo Myung-hee, head of trade negotiations at South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, is elected, it could affect the fairness of dispute resolution procedures.
Director-General Yoo played a key role in filing a complaint with the WTO when Japan tightened export controls on South Korea in what was seen as a de facto retaliation against South Korea’s Supreme Court ruling on forced labor compensation.
The Japanese government views candidate Okonjo-Iweala as a suitable candidate due to her experience as a cabinet minister and her long tenure at the World Bank, demonstrating her expertise in international affairs, and plans to soon convey Japan’s position to the WTO.
Meanwhile, although the WTO Director-General election can be decided by a vote according to regulations, it has traditionally emphasized consensus, and voting has never actually taken place. Kyodo News speculated that if Director-General Yoo secures majority support, Japan will ultimately accept her appointment as Director-General.
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