Robert Azevedo, Director General of the World Trade Organization announced to member nations on May 14th that he would step down from his position on August 31st, one year short of his appointment term.

In his lengthy letter of resignation Azevedo who has completed seven years in his position indicated that the WTO would then be able to recruit and appoint a replacement who would in a position to lead the 12th Ministerial Conference set for mid 2021.

In commenting on the resignation The Economist on May23rd commended the Director General on his achievements noting that the WTO is “a marvelous institution were it not for its members”. Selecting a successor will be difficult as the final choice must be unanimously approved by the U.S. the EU and China. It is suggested that a decision will be delayed until the outcome of the 2020 U.S. Presidential election is known.