The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) officially announced on Oct. 28 that it supports Korean Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee as the next chief of the World Trade Organization. (Screen capture from USTR website)

By Xu Aiying and Lee Jihae

The U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) on Oct. 28 officially announced its support for Korean Minister for Trade Yoo Myung-hee as the next director-general of the World Trade Organization.

"The United States supports the selection of Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee as the next WTO Director-General," the USTR said in a statement. 

"Minister Yoo is a bona fide trade expert who has distinguished herself during a 25-year career as a successful trade negotiator and trade policy maker. She has all the skills necessary to be an effective leader of the organization."

Speaking to reporters after a reception for ambassadors from WTO member nations in Geneva, WTO spokesperson Keith Rockwell announced Washington's support for the minister's candidacy. 

He said one WTO member state cannot support her opponent, former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, adding, "That delegation was (the) United States of America."

The WTO on Nov. 9 will hold a special council meeting to select its head. The director-general can be elected only after a consensus of all WTO member states is reached.

xuaiy@korea.kr