Marking the Lunar New Year’s eve, World Trade Organization head Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala shared a poignant video message in Chinese, wishing the world ‘Happy New Year’ alongside hopes for robust health, wealth, and achievements in the Dragon year.
The dragon, she observed, perfectly encapsulates the drive, resilience, and evolution required in today’s intricate trade ecosystem—a timely metaphor given persistent global headwinds.
Reviewing recent developments, Okonjo-Iweala hailed trade’s proven durability last year, which validates the enduring value of a multilateral framework promoting transparency and consistency.
Turning to the future, she stressed the urgency of major WTO overhauls to synchronize with shifting economic realities. Without such changes, the organization risks obsolescence.
She profusely thanked China for its solid alliance and anticipated that its reform agenda would propel WTO enhancements. This diplomatic flourish comes as the organization eyes key ministerial conferences and negotiations on critical issues like e-commerce and dispute settlement revival.
Okonjo-Iweala’s Mandarin fluency and cultural sensitivity exemplify her global outlook, fostering stronger ties with Asia’s economic powerhouse and paving the way for unified action in turbulent times.