WTO Directorate: Ambassador Eloi Laourou appointed Principal Adviser

In a letter dated 06 July 2021, the Director General of the World Trade Organization (OMC) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala has appointed Doctor Eloi Laourou as Principal Advisor. This appointment is a victory for Beninese diplomacy, masterfully led by Minister Aurélien Agbénonci. This, under the leadership of President Patrice Talon.

"Dr Eloi Laourou has made significant contributions to the work of the WTO and its bodies, which he chaired during his successive terms, also coordinating the Regional Groups of the WTO, of UNCTAD, of the ICC and the PMOI ", do Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director General of the WTO, in his address to the staff of the organization relating to this high-level appointment within his cabinet. According to his words, Doctor Eloi LAOUROU has an excellent knowledge of the Multilateral Trade System and international trade negotiations.

Of the three appointments made by the Director General of the WTO to form her cabinet, two have immediate effect including that of Beninese Eloi LAOUROU. The appointment of Beninese Laourou is a victory for Beninese diplomacy, masterfully led by Mr. Aurelien Agbenonci under the leadership of President Patrice TALON for whom, the promotion of Beninese executives within international organizations is a priority.

Who is Doctor Eloi Laourou ?

Former Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Benin to the United Nations Office and other international organizations based in Geneva, August 2016 to july 2020, Doctor Eloi Laourou is a career Diplomat with approximately thirty-five (35) years of experience. Holder of a Doctorate in International Law and International Relations from the University of Lyon 3, Jean Moulin (France), he was also Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative of Benin in Geneva, from February 2013 to august 2016 (source : Beninese government website).

As a reminder, Benin from the early hours of the announcement of Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala's candidacy for the head of the WTO, supported the veteran economist, from Nigeria.

Patrice ADJAHO