Master's in Econometrics, Development Planning and PhD in Economic Planning and Development, Erasmus University, Rotterdam; completed doctoral dissertation on Human Resource Planning and Development under supervision of Professor Jan Tinbergen, the first Nobel laureate in economics. Formerly: Director-General, World Trade Organization; Deputy Prime Minister, Thailand, in charge of economic and trade policy, signing Uruguay Round Agreement in 1994 and contributing to formulation of regional agreements; Minister of Commerce; 2005-09, first term as Secretary-General, UNCTAD. Since July 2009, second term until 2013.