Trade Minister Tim Groser will throw his hat into the ring for the top international trade job - director-general of the World Trade Organisation.
Groser has yet to formally announce his candidacy for the leading role in international trade diplomacy.
He was due to leave New Zealand today for trade talks in Cambodia and Vladivostock, but has confirmed to the Herald that he will seek the WTO role.
Prime Minister John Key - who was recently taken into Groser's confidence - told the Herald that the New Zealand Government will fully support his bid. Key praised Groser's prowess in the world of international diplomacy where he has been playing an integral role in climate change negotiations as well as trade discussions at G20.
Key will put the spotlight on the Groser bid when he addresses the APEC CEOs' Summit in Vladivostock next week on the pressing need for Asia-Pacific political leaders to turn their attention to the stalled Doha Round. Key is expected to seek support for Groser's candidacy from other political leaders present at APEC.