WTO head seeks new term in office

Pascal Lamy led the negotiations in many high-profile disputes

World Trade Organization chief Pascal Lamy has confirmed he would seek another four-year term heading the international agency.

In a letter to the WTO council, Mr Lamy said he wanted to continue his efforts to help poorer countries develop their economies through international trade.

The 61-year-old Frenchman has headed the WTO since 2005.

During his first term he oversaw the long-running Doha round of global trade talks, which ended in failure in July.

The seven-year negotiations, aimed at setting new rules for global commerce, suffered a number of setbacks since Mr Lamy was promoted as the WTO director general in 2005.

"Much remains to be done, not only to conclude the Doha round of negotiations, but also to ensure a better functioning of the multi-lateral trading system", Mr Lamy said in his letter.

He also pledged to make a significant contribution to reinforcing multi-lateralism and development if he gets a second term.

Countries can nominate alternative candidates from December. The WTO head is chosen by consensus, through a set of complex international negotiations.