The announcement of his early departure from the WTO has created general surprise. While the planet is undergoing the Covid-19 health and economic shock wave. Brazilian Roberto Azevêdo, who has headed the World Trade Organization for seven years, has decided to shorten his second term by one year. He will leave next August. " Between confinement and a recent knee operation, I had more time than usual to think, " he said in a preamble Thursday during a videoconference with heads of delegation.
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And to explain that his choice resulted from a " personal, family decision " which " I am convinced it serves the best interests of the WTO" . To those who lend him presidential ambitions in his country, he replies that he "does not pursue any political aim ". The successor of Frenchman Pascal Lamy defends a strategic choice, wanting to “ decouple ” the selection process for the next CEO, which requires several months of preparation,
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