The four contenders for the post of director general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) made their oral presentation last Wednesday to convince the Council in full session that they were the best candidate for the job. Until the council makes its final decision at the end of May, the lobbying is bound to continue.

The Foreign affairs and International trade minister, Jayen Cuttaree, has expressed his satisfaction with the way his interview went. ?I had a very positive welcome. It?s really encouraging. I think the presentation itself went well.?

The final duel will most probably be a North-South one between former EU commissioner Pascal Lamy and the Mauritian minister. The main difference between them is their vision of the WTO. ?I have a vision from the South and he has his own,? highlighted Cuttaree after his presentation.

The Mauritian candidate has been assured of the votes of ACP countries, SADC countries and others but Pascal Lamy also has a good chance. Developed countries will probably support his application. The more so as Jayen Cuttaree has made it clear that his policy,if he is appointed director general, will be in favour of the South.

He has said that he will insist on the development of poor countries as well as ?capacity building.? He is not in favour of trade liberalisation at any price. In Cuttaree?s opinion, any liberal move must be done while taking the supply-side constraints into consideration to avoid more backwardness for small countries.

Now is the time for action? is his motto in his brochure. Jayen Cuttaree looks determined to work in the small countries? interest? Things look hopeful and more and more international media seem to believe that Jayen Cuttaree is a serious contender.