Yoo Myung-hee Appeals for WTO Support as "Right Person to Create New Norms"... Voters 'All Ears'

Director Yoo Leads Support Negotiations with WTO Member States
Engages Over 100 Geneva Representatives in Support Talks
Member States Request First Meetings... Interest in Director Yoo's Vision

On the 16th (local time), Yoo Myung-hee, the Chief Trade Negotiator of the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, delivered a policy speech as a candidate for Secretary-General at the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] Yoo Myung-hee, the Chief Trade Negotiator, personally met with voters from over 100 World Trade Organization (WTO) member countries to appeal for their support. As the only current trade minister among the candidates and an Asian female candidate for Secretary-General, she emphasized that she is the right person to create new norms and save the WTO from crisis.

From the 13th to the 22nd, Yoo engaged in support negotiations with WTO member countries in Geneva, Switzerland. The lobbying efforts targeting ambassadors stationed in Geneva were carried out before and after her candidate policy presentation at the WTO Special General Council on the 16th.

Yoo highlighted her strengths as the only incumbent minister among the candidates and her 25 years of experience as a trade expert. As a current minister, she stressed that she is in close communication with trade ministers of major countries worldwide, who influence the "votes."

She underscored her ability to act as an "immediate asset." Yoo conveyed to the ambassadors her experience in directly resolving major issues in the rapidly changing international trade environment over recent years. She emphasized that she possesses the capability and readiness to perform well immediately upon assuming the WTO Secretary-General position.

According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, many WTO member countries responded positively to Yoo’s policy presentation and Q&A session. The overall assessment was that she has the ability and qualifications to lead the WTO. Many viewed her as a suitable candidate with high-level political skills, expertise, and diverse experience capable of creating new norms among the 164 member countries.

Some also noted her status as an Asian female candidate for WTO Secretary-General. This was seen as another competitive advantage for Yoo.

The Ministry reported that a significant number of WTO member countries requested meetings with Yoo first. They expressed considerable interest in her vision as the next WTO Secretary-General and her positions on key WTO issues.

According to the Ministry, after focusing inquiries on issues related to their national interests and hearing Yoo’s responses, the member countries showed that they deeply understood each other's positions and maintained a balanced perspective.

While conducting support negotiations with ambassadors in Geneva, Yoo also maintained steady communication with trade ministers. She continued to request support at the ministerial level through video or telephone consultations.

An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, "The campaign period for the next Secretary-General election will continue for the time being, and from September 7, member countries will begin consultations to narrow down the candidates. After September 7, David Walker, Chair of the General Council, will consult with member countries to finalize the specific consultation procedures among members."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.