SOUTH Africa’s Trade and Industry Minister Alec Erwin on Wednesday denied he was considering applying for the vacant position of director-general of the World Trade Organisation. The trade body’s 134 members are deadlocked over whether to appoint former New Zealand premier Mike Moore or Thailand deputy premier Supachai Panitchpakdi, the two remaining candidates in line for the position. London news reports suggested that Erwin, who is well-respected internationally, could be appointed to break the deadlock. Erwin is not interested in standing and South Africa has decided not to submit a candidate for the position, trade and industry ministry spokesman Kanyo Cqulu said.