Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post
Business

WTO chief: World economy edging into recession

This file photo taken on April 12, 2018, shows the World Trade Organization (WTO) headquarters in Geneva. (Photo: AFP)

The head of the World Trade Organization (WTO) added her voice to a growing chorus of observers who see the global economy headed into a recession.

“The indicators are not looking good,” WTO director-general Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala said during an interview in Geneva Tuesday. “I think a global recession -- that is what I think we are edging into.”

Next month, the WTO is expected to slash its trade growth projections for 2022. In April, the Geneva-based trade body lowered its projection for growth in merchandise trade this year to 3%, from its previous projection of 4.7%. 

The WTO’s bearish expectations for the global economy come after the Paris-based OECD cut its growth forecasts for the Group of 20 next year. 

Okonjo-Iweala said she is most focused on the issues of food security and access to energy -- both issues that have been aggravated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. 

“I am very concerned about food security,” Okonjo-Iweala said. “The spectre of not having enough food is one that worries me. Access to energy is creating problems at the moment.”

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.