Can the WTO stay relevant? With Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala
Feb 3, 2025
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In a compelling conversation, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first woman and first African Director-General of the WTO, discusses the resilience of globalization amidst rising protectionism and the challenges US trade policies pose. She outlines her vision for engaging with the new US administration, emphasizes the importance of representation for women and African nations in global trade, and tackles the complexities of WTO governance. Okonjo-Iweala defends the WTO's achievements and advocates for reforms to support smaller nations in the evolving trade landscape.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala highlights globalization's resilience through continued trade growth despite challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic and rising protectionism.
The WTO's essential role in ensuring international trade standards aids in preventing protectionist abuses while facilitating economic growth for developing countries.
Deep dives
The Evolving Landscape of Globalization
Globalization has shown resilience despite challenges, with trade in goods, services, and data continuing to thrive. While some express concerns about a slowdown in globalization, key indicators suggest that the fundamentals remain strong. The Director General of the WTO, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, notes that while growth rates have decreased since the financial crisis, overall global trade has exceeded pre-pandemic levels. The projection for global goods trade growth remains positive, indicating that regionalization and decentralization of supply chains could enhance global trading resilience.
WTO's Vital Role in Global Trade
The WTO plays a crucial role in maintaining international trade standards beyond just tariffs, as emphasized by Dr. Okonjo-Iweala. Key agreements ensure trust and safety in global trade, such as those addressing food safety and product standards, which prevent protectionist abuses. Intellectual property agreements significantly contribute to the U.S. economy, generating billions in royalties and fostering innovation. These frameworks are essential for countries to navigate trade effectively, suggesting the WTO's ongoing importance despite criticisms of its governance.
The U.S. Perspective on Trade Policy
The U.S. has expressed growing discontent with the WTO, often attributing job losses to globalization while overlooking job creation resulting from trade. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala indicates that the narrative around trade in the U.S. requires correction, as many jobs have been gained alongside losses. Many concerns regarding trade policy and dispute settlements reflect a misunderstanding of the WTO's function and benefits. The WTO is actively exploring reforms to address such criticisms and improve its effectiveness for all member states.
Challenges and Opportunities for Developing Countries
Developing countries, especially in Africa, seek greater benefits from globalization and the multilateral trading system. A sense of urgency exists regarding the need for improved trade rules that accommodate the unique challenges faced by these nations. Dr. Okonjo-Iweala highlights the importance of attracting investment and adding value to local products to foster growth. The WTO is fostering new agreements aimed at reducing bureaucratic barriers, ultimately empowering developing countries to leverage trade for economic advancement.
In an interview recorded before President Trump hit China, Mexico and Canada with steep tariffs that disrupt the global trading system, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the director-general of the World Trade Organisation, speaks to the FT’s Senior Trade Writer, Alan Beattie, and defends her record and the WTO’s achievements. She outlines how she hopes to engage with the new US administration and how globalisation has been remarkably resilient despite shocks such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the rise of US protectionism in Trump's first term and under former president Joe Biden.
Alan writes the Trade Secrets newsletter. You can sign up here. He is on Bluesky at @alanbeattie.bsky.social.
Presented by Alan Beattie. Produced by Laurence Knight. The editor is Bryant Urstadt. Manuela Saragosa is the executive producer. Audio mix and original music by Breen Turner. The FT’s head of audio is Cheryl Brumley.