Brasília – The Brazilian candidate to director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO), ambassador Roberto Carvalho de Azevêdo, 55, is one of five candidates still running for the position, according to information released this Friday (12th). The others are Herminio Blanco (Mexico), Taeho Bark (South Korea), Mari Elka Pangestu (Indonesia) and Tim Groser (New Zealand). There are two phases to go. The final decision is due on May 29.
The candidate who garners the most support among WTO members will be chosen for the position. The selection process is such that a name arises out of a consensus. It comprises three different phases. Each of the 159 member countries votes for four names.
In the first phase, from April 2 to 9, the following candidacies were eliminated: John Kwadwo Kyerematen (Ghana), Anabel González (Costa Rica), Amina C. Mohamed (Kenya) and Ahmad Thougan Hindawi (Jordan). In the next phase, from April 16 to 25, another three will be ruled out.
The final phase will have only two candidates. Azevêdo’s candidacy is being discussed at meettings by Brazil’s Foreign Relations minister Antonio Patriota with foreign authorities. Brazil is seeking support among neighbour countries, allies, and members of the blocs it belongs to, such as the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa).
Since the launch of his candidacy, on December 28 2012, Azevêdo has been to 46 WTO member countries to outline his proposals. He travelled to South America and Europe, Central America, the Caribbean and Africa, Asia, North America and the Middle East.
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum