The former European Union trade chief, Pascal Lamy, has effectively proclaimed the next leadership term of the World Trade Organization.

    BEIJING, May 14 -- The former European Union trade chief, Pascal Lamy, has effectively proclaimed the next leadership term of the World Trade Organization.

    Lamy, who saw off challenges from three developing country candidates in the race for the top job in world trade, will be formally appointed head of the Geneva-based organization on May the 26th or 27th.

    His last opponent, Uruguayan diplomat Carlos Perez del Castillo announced his withdrawal after a special selection panel of three trade diplomats declared Lamy had the most support among the WTO's 148 members.

    Lamy will take over from incumbent Supachai Panitchpakdi, for a four-year term starting on September the 1st. One of Lamy's first tasks will be to help guide the WTO to success at its next ministerial conference, which will be in Hong Kong at the end of the year.

    (Source: CCTV.com)