World Trade Organization (WTO) chief Roberto Azevedo has told member governments he plans to step down before his term ends in 2021, according to four people familiar with the matter.
The 62-year-old Brazilian has served as WTO director-general since September 2013 and his second four-year term began in September 2017.
A WTO spokesman declined to comment. Azevedo could not be reached directly.
Azevedo's departure would come at a difficult time for the Geneva-based trade body, which has struggled to contain a series of systemic crises even before the coronavirus pandemic devastated global trade.
The stability of the WTO was dealt a blow last year when the United States paralyzed the organization's dispute settlement system after blocking new appointments to the seven-member panel that hears appeals.
A court has been unable to rule on future cases since December 11 because there are not enough active members.
It is possible that one of Azevedo's four deputy directors-general could serve as interim director until his term ends next year. They are Yonov Frederick Agah of Nigeria, Karl Brauner of Germany, Alan Wolff of the United States and Yi Xiaozhun of China.
Original Note: WTO Director-General Roberto Azevedo Is Said to Plan to Depart
Source: Bloomberg
Aduana News is the first Argentine customs newspaper to launch its digital version. With 20 years of experience, its publications and initiatives aim to provide the most relevant knowledge on customs issues in order to contribute to safe trade in the region.
