In a heartfelt gesture bridging global trade and cultural traditions, World Trade Organization (WTO) Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala extended Chinese New Year wishes via video on the eve of the Lunar New Year. Speaking directly in Mandarin, she wished everyone health, prosperity, and success in the coming year, saying, ‘Happy New Year.’
Celebrating the Year of the Dragon, Okonjo-Iweala highlighted its symbolism of energy, resilience, and progress—qualities she deems essential for today’s global trade landscape. ‘The dragon embodies the vigor, flexibility, and advancement we need in international commerce,’ she noted.
Reflecting on the past year, the WTO chief praised the remarkable resilience shown by global trade amid numerous challenges. This endurance, she argued, underscores the critical role of a rules-based multilateral trading system that fosters openness, stability, and predictability.
Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that the WTO must undergo significant reforms to adapt to the rapidly evolving global economy. ‘Continuous transformation is key to our relevance and effectiveness,’ she stated.
Expressing gratitude to China for its steadfast support, she voiced optimism that Beijing’s own reforms would bolster efforts to strengthen the multilateral trade framework. This message arrives as world leaders grapple with trade tensions, supply chain disruptions, and geopolitical shifts, positioning the WTO at the center of renewed calls for cooperative global economic governance.
The video message not only marks a festive occasion but also signals the director-general’s commitment to engaging key member nations like China, the world’s second-largest economy, in shaping the future of international trade.