Saudi Arabia announced on Wednesday the nomination of advisor to the Royal Court, Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri to head the World Trade Organization (WTO), reported the Saudi Press Agency.
“The following communication, nominating Mr. Mohammad Maziad Al-Tuwaijri for the position of Director-General, has been received from the Delegation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 8 July 2020,” a WTO document read.
The Saudi mission to the organization said the Kingdom realizes the central role the WTO plays in drafting and implementing international trade regulations and developing the economy and commerce internationally.
Tuwaijri’s nomination during such a critical time in the world stems from Saudi Arabia’s sense of responsibility in its role as president of the G20 for 2020.
It also reflects its ongoing support for international efforts to boost the WTO and draft a strategic vision for G20 members to bolster the important role of trade in economic growth and achieving sustainable development.
Tuwaijri holds an MBA with honors from King Saud University in business management. He served in several important positions in the Kingdom, notably minister of economy and planning. He also served as a member of cabinet and a member of the economic and development affairs council from 2017 to 2020. He also served as deputy minister of economy and planning, secretary general of the financial committee at the Royal Court from 2016 to 2017. He was also vice president of the national development fun and president of the National Transformation Program. He also played a role in forming strategic partnerships in several countries.
Tuwaijri was also president of the National Privatization Program and is member of the board of Saudi Aramco and the Public Investment Fund. From 2007 to 2010, Tuwaijri was CEO of JP Morgan Saudi Arabia. He moved to HSBC, where he worked in various roles, including CEO of global banking and markets, regional head of service management, and group vice president and CEO of HSBC MENA and Turkey.
