Chairman's Messages

Chairman's Speeches

Chairman Kobayashi’s Comments on the Appointment of
Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as Director-General of the World Trade Organization

February 16, 2021

I wish to extend my congratulations to Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the former Finance Minister of Nigeria, on her appointment as the new Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). This is extremely welcome news, considering the WTO’s significance in supporting free trade. It was vital that it not be left functionally leaderless for too long, particularly with the world economy still struggling with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The WTO serves as the foundation for both fair and multilateral free trade, and I am confident that its new Director-General will provide the kind of leadership needed to address its impending reforms. These include reviving the Appellate Body’s system for resolving trade disputes, establishing or modernizing international trade rules, including those governing activities in the digital space, reviewing the qualification criteria and preferential treatment for developing countries, and ensuring compliance with WTO agreements.

I call on the Japanese government, as a flag bearer of free trade, to cooperate with the United States and other countries concerned in supporting reforms that will restore and strengthen the functions of the WTO. The JFTC will provide full cooperation in these endeavors.