Roberto Azevêdo quits post of WTO director-general

The director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTC), Roberto Azevêdo, is leaving his post today (Aug. 31), after seven years in charge. His departure had been announced in advance and comes a year before the end of his second tenure.

In May, when he disclosed his decision, the Brazilian diplomat said it was motivated by personal issues and that it was to the best of the organization’s interest in its overhaul. The organization, he said, is likely to start building an agenda for the post-pandemic reality with a new director-general in place.

The WTO General Council is in the process of selecting its new director, whose name must be unveiled in the coming months. Eight candidates have been appointed by their countries and presented to WTO members at a special meeting.

The WTO started its activities on January 1, 1995, and has worked as the main entity administering the multilateral trade system since then. The organization aims to establish a common institutional landmark to regulate commercial ties between a number of its members and to find peaceful solutions to trade disputes, having deals currently in effect as its foundation.

As it stands today, the WTO has 164 members, with Brazil being one of its founders.