S. Korean trade minister withdraws candidacy for WTO chief

Yoo Myung-hee

SEOUL, Feb. 5 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Trade Minister Yoo Myung-hee withdrew her candidacy for the post of the World Trade Organization (WTO) chief, the country's trade ministry said Friday.

Considering various factors, Yoo decided to drop her bid and inform the WTO of the decision, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The ministry said in a statement that South Korea will continue to make various contributions to restore and enhance trade multilateralism, seeking to play leading roles in resolving global issues, including the WTO reform, the digital economy and climate change.

Yoo was one of the two finalists for the head post of the Geneva-based trade body, together with Nigerian candidate Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.