WTO DG, Okonjo-Iweala, expresses joy over US-China trade talks

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As China-U.S. trade talks yield a consensus in Geneva, Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met with WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. In a statement issued on May 11 after the meeting, she said, “I am pleased with the positive outcome of the talks between the United States and China in Geneva. These discussions mark a significant step forward and, we hope, bode well for the future.”

AccordingtoOkonjo-Iweala, “I am pleased with the positive outcome of the talks between the United States and China in Geneva. These discussions mark a significant step forward and, we hope, bode well for the future.

“Amid current global tensions, this progress is important not only for the US and China but also for the rest of the world, including the most vulnerable economies.

“I urge both nations to build on this momentum by continuing to develop practical solutions that mitigate tensions, restore predictability, and strengthen confidence in the multilateral trading system.

“During my conversations with Vice Premier He, we also addressed the need for WTO reform. I welcome China’s support for these reforms and the repositioning of the organization to better serve today’s global trade environment.”

In a previous interview with CGTN’s Tian Wei, the WTO chief had warned against rising trade barriers and fragmentation, urging nations to stay calm so disputes could be properly resolved through dialogue.