CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, arrives on Tuesday to participate in St. Lucia’s 44th anniversary of political independence from Britain, according to a statement issued by the Office of the Prime Minister.
It said Okonjo-Iweala had accepted Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre’s invitation to be the guest of honor at the official activities commemorating the independence on Wednesday.
It described her as a global finance expert, an economist, and international development professional with over 30 years of experience working in Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America, and North America. She took office as WTO Director-General on March 1, 2021.
The former Nigeria finance minister has also had a 25-year career at the World Bank as a development economist and was appointed African Union Special Envoy to mobilize international financial support for the fight against COVID-19 and WHO Special Envoy for Access to COVID-19 Tools Accelerator.
“Her first official visit to St. Lucia…signals the commencement of what is hoped to be an enduring alliance with an acclaimed global leader and also lays the foundation to pursue a new strategic partnership with Nigeria and the African Union on matters of trade and developmental finance,” the statement added.
It said that the WTO Director-General would deliver an address during the National Independence Rally on Wednesday and participate in a series of engagements.