Will a Korean Become the First WTO Chief?..."Winning the Votes of US Allies Is Key" (Comprehensive)

Less Recognized Than Nigerian Candidate
But Appeals for Role Between US, China, and EU
Securing Votes from US and Allies Is Key

Famous Korean Trade Negotiation Chief Yoo Myung-hee, who advanced to the final runoff in the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General election, and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Nigerian Finance Minister, holding a press conference for their candidacies in Geneva, Switzerland, on July 15-16. (Photo by Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporters Moon Chaeseok and Ryu Jeongmin] It has been reported that Yoo Myung-hee, head of the Trade Negotiations Department at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, advanced to the final round for the position of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO) on the 8th, raising expectations for the possibility of Korea’s first WTO chief. If Director-General Yoo is appointed, it could serve as an opportunity to further elevate South Korea’s international standing, which has emerged as a model country in COVID-19 prevention.

Although Director-General Yoo is less well-known than Nigeria’s former Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, analysts suggest that she could turn the tables by appealing to her capability to rationally lead the organization by applying WTO norms among the United States, China, and the European Union (EU). It is analyzed that securing votes from the U.S. and its allies in North America, Australia, and Latin America will be key.

There are also opinions that the competition has shifted from the individual candidates to a contest of the capabilities of each government. While Director-General Yoo’s personal competitiveness is important, behind-the-scenes support to persuade other governments holding voting rights must bear fruit to win the competition. This is why President Moon Jae-in is appealing for support for Director-General Yoo from leaders of Germany, Brazil, Russia, and others. The president’s direct involvement in providing support is a politically burdensome action. Initially, there were expectations that Director-General Yoo would be at a disadvantage in the election dynamics, and Japan’s overt opposition is also a burden.

The WTO Director-General does not actively intervene in trade dispute procedures but manages the entire WTO organization. With the global spread of protectionism, the WTO, which advocates free trade, is facing its greatest crisis since its establishment in 1995, and the role of the Director-General is expected to grow.

According to foreign media, both candidates have reportedly secured the support of the EU. The general consensus is that it will be difficult for Director-General Yoo to sweep up European votes due to Europe’s traditionally friendly relations with Africa and the fact that candidate Okonjo-Iweala is Nigerian. Europe holds 41 votes (including 27 EU member countries), and Africa holds 44 votes. Together, they account for about half of the total 164 votes (163 countries + EU). The fact that China and Japan have declared support for Africa is also a burden.

However, there are opinions that Director-General Yoo’s expertise in trade will work to her advantage in the final round. African candidates have pledged to address African agricultural subsidies through the 'Special and Differential Treatment (SDT),' while Director-General Yoo is said to have appealed that she is the right person to rationally mediate conflicts by applying 'WTO norms' among the U.S., China, and the EU.

Professor Heo Yoon of Sogang University Graduate School of International Studies said, "Candidate Okonjo-Iweala is trying to implement an 'inclusive trade policy' between developed and developing countries under protectionism through the SDT principle, while Director-General Yoo is appealing that she has the capability to resolve issues such as Chinese state-owned enterprises, subsidies, and technology theft?which are current issues in the U.S.-China trade war?at the WTO level based on WTO norms," adding, "The rationale and expertise presented by Director-General Yoo seem to have a greater-than-expected effect in persuading member countries."

Professor Jeong In-gyo of Inha University’s Department of International Trade said, "From now on, political logic driven by international politics will influence voting behavior," urging, "It is necessary to secure as many votes as possible from East Asia, the Americas, and U.S. allies, and to disperse votes in Europe and Africa, where candidate Okonjo-Iweala is strong."

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