Mr. Lamy, who will start his second mandate at the helm of the WTO on 1 September, informed the General Council today that he has decided to retain Alejandro Jara of Chile, Valentine Rugwabiza of Rwanda, Harsha Singh of India and Rufus Yerxa of the United States in their positions as Deputy Director-General. Their terms of office will begin on 1 October.

“During the last four years this strong team has served the Organization and its Members with dedication and vision. Together we have worked to advance the interests of the multilateral trading system. As we prepare to move into the last miles in the Doha Round, I believe I must privilege experience and safeguard continuity. I look forward to working with my team and with Members in the months and years to come,” Mr. Lamy said.