• Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, former minister of economy and planning, made his case to member states on July 17

GENEVA: Saudi Arabia’s nominee for the post of director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) arrived in Geneva on July 14 ahead of meetings during which he made his case for why he deserves the job.

Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, an adviser to the Saudi Royal Court and former minister of economy and planning, is one the candidates hoping to succeed Roberto Azevedo, from Brazil, who announced in May that he would step down on August 1, a year before his term was due to end.

Meetings of the WTO general council began on July 15. All of the candidates for director-general presented their visions and working programs to representatives of WTO member states and answered their questions on July 17.

When Saudi Arabia announced its nomination of Al-Tuwaijri for the post on July 7, Saudi Arabia’s mission to the WTO highlighted the vital role that the organization plays by formulating and enforcing international trade rules, and developing the international economy and trade.

Al-Tuwaijri, a business administrator, banker and economics expert, has held a number of leading posts in the public and private sectors, nationally and internationally.

SPA