First WTO Director-General dies at 83

The first Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Renato Ruggiero has died, the Geneva-based body announced August 5, 2013.

Mr Ruggiero, an Italian national, died in Milan at the age of 83.

He served as Director-General of the WTO from 1995 to 1999.

According to the WTO, Mr. Ruggiero was the first Director-General to call for elimination of all quotas and duties on exports from the world’s poorest countries.

Commenting on the sad news, WTO Boss, Pascal Lamy said “We have lost a true champion of multilateralism in Renato Ruggiero. He helped to build a firm foundation for the WTO which made this organization stronger and better able to serve WTO members and their citizens. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

By Ekow Quandzie