Azevedo reappointed head of World Trade Organization

BERLIN – Roberto Azevedo has been reappointed director-general of the 164-nation World Trade Organization, ensuring continuity in the face of challenges to the multilateral trading system from Britain’s decision to leave the European Union and the protectionist rhetoric from the new U.S. government.

Azevedo, a Brazilian who was first appointed to a four-year term as head of the WTO in 2013, said after his appointment Tuesday that the organization is “on the right path” but can do more, “particularly for the smaller players and those who feel cut off from the economic benefits of trade.”

He says the Geneva-based organization must help build a more inclusive trading system, adding its mission is “to support economic development, growth and job creation, but also to support peace, co-operation and solidarity among nations.”