Business Feb 17, 2021
The coronavirus pandemic, log-jammed trade talks and a long-delayed meeting of member states are just a few of the crises awaiting Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Commentary / World Feb 16, 2021
by Brad Glosserman
The WTO has elected former Nigerian Finance Minister Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as director general, filling a slot that had been vacant for half a year.
Business / Economy Feb 6, 2021
Nigerian woman poised to lead WTO after South Korean rival withdraws
Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to become the first African and first woman to lead the body after a South Korean rival withdrew.
Commentary / World | API Geoeconomic Briefing Jan 26, 2021
It's time to reduce the world's trade dependence on China
by Shin Oya
By cooperating with allies and boosting multilateral functions under the WTO, Japan can help put a stop to Beijing's coercive actions.
Business Dec 16, 2020
Australia to challenge China at the WTO as tensions escalate
Australia will challenge China at the World Trade Organization over Beijing’s decision to impose hefty tariffs on its barley exports, a further sign of deteriorating relations between the two key trading partners. Trade Minister Simon Birmingham said Wednesday that the government had advised counterparts in ...
Business / Economy Dec 1, 2020
Japan urges South Korea to end tariffs on steel bars after WTO ruling
Seoul started imposing a 15.39% tariff on Japan-made stainless steel bars in July 2004 and extended the measure for the third time in June 2017.
World Nov 23, 2020
WTO aiming to net fishing deal banning billions in subsidies
Negotiations on banning billions of dollars in fisheries subsidies are coming to the crunch at the beleaguered World Trade Organization, with the deadline to net a deal fast approaching. Disagreements persist, especially over what the outcome might mean for developing countries, while overfishing continues to ...
World / Politics Nov 15, 2020
After years of U.S. disengagement and confrontation, international organizations in Geneva appeared to breathe a collective sigh of relief at Joe Biden's presidential election win — but the anticipated honeymoon could be short. "I think everyone is basically waiting with open arms for the U.S. ...
Business Oct 26, 2020
Japan decides against backing South Korean nominee for WTO chief
The Foreign Ministry is encouraging other WTO members to back Nigeria's Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, who has served as a finance minister and as the World Bank managing director.
Commentary / Japan Oct 7, 2020
The Quad Security Dialogue in Tokyo: Who will join next?
by Kuni Miyake
The four foreign ministers basically echoed each other's positions and agreed to meet regularly. The real question, however, is who, if any, will join the Quad next.
Business Jul 29, 2020
Japan to revamp trade dispute team amid WTO feud with South Korea
The team will be replaced by a new one in the International Legal Affairs Bureau, which is better equipped to tackle issues concerning international rules, sources say.