WASHINGTON, DC-House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Richard E. Neal (D-MA) released the following statement applauding the Biden Administration’s Support of the World Trade Organization (WTO) Director General Candidate Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala:
“The World Trade Organization is a bedrock of U.S. trade policy and is in dire need of a strong leader to bring about necessary and overdue reforms that have been sought by the United States for years. I commend the Biden Administration for prioritizing the WTO Director General race and urge it to work closely with the new Director General and the WTO members to meaningfully address longstanding issues, including those related to the dispute settlement system, transparency, notification obligations, subsidy disciplines, and special and differential treatment."
“The change in administration brings a unique opportunity to finally raise issues that have often been overlooked by the WTO-namely labor, climate change, and women’s economic empowerment. I am hopeful that the new Director General will support any initiative that formally prioritizes these issues. In order to maintain its relevancy, it’s important that the WTO not only correct past mistakes but also look ahead to serve as a platform to address the needs of our times. I am confident that the WTO is up to the task."
