WTO braces for leadership race

AFP

March 31, 2013

The World Trade Organisation is bracing for the start of the race to lead the body that polices the rules of global commerce, a unique contest in the often-opaque sphere of international diplomacy.

From April 2nd, the 158 WTO member states will start cutting a field of nine candidates for the post of director general, whose main task is to revive long-stalled talks on boosting international trade.

After two four-year terms for Frenchman Pascal Lamy -- a former European Union trade chief -- emerging nations aim to stake their claim on the top job which is vacant on September 1st.

Dr. Herminio Blanco Mendoza is Mexico’s candidate for the post of World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General.

On the Breakfast Grille, he explains his plans for the organization in the short, medium and long terms.

He also discusses why he is running and why his experience avails him as the strongest candidate for the post.