The Ethiopian delegation, led by Minister Kassahun Gofe Balami, visited Geneva to discuss the country's World Trade Organization (WTO) accession process. The visit commenced with a meeting between Minister Kassahun and WTO Deputy Director-General Xiangchen Zhang on December 5, 2024. During this meeting, Minister Kassahun emphasized Ethiopia's commitment to restarting and accelerating its WTO accession, highlighting recent domestic economic reforms. He expressed gratitude for the technical support from the WTO Secretariat and underscored the need for continued capacity-building as a least-developed country (LDC).
Minister Kassahun also attended the 9th Working Party Meeting of Uzbekistan on December 5-6, 2024. He noted that Ethiopia shares Uzbekistan's dedication to joining the WTO and acknowledged the benefits of WTO accession in diversifying and liberalizing economies.
The visit included briefing sessions on WTO Accession conducted by the World Bank and the WTO Secretariat on December 9-10, 2024. Members of Ethiopia's Steering Committee discussed the economic impact of WTO membership, key provisions across WTO Agreements, and specific issues in Ethiopia's negotiations. They recognized significant benefits such as increased trade predictability and foreign direct investment attractiveness.
The Steering Committee acknowledged challenges faced by LDCs in WTO accession processes and called for robust capacity-building efforts to help Ethiopia conclude its negotiations by 2026. They stressed aligning national development plans with international trade obligations and requested assistance from the WTO Secretariat and World Bank.
Ethiopia expressed readiness to engage actively with WTO members in advancing bilateral market access negotiations. During their visit, they held meetings with several members.
As Ethiopia prepares for its fifth Working Party meeting in 2025, an accession roadmap was agreed upon outlining steps for concluding negotiations by 2026. Ethiopia intends to continue proactive engagement based on this roadmap, viewing WTO membership as a means to unlock opportunities and foster long-term development alongside participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The last meeting of Ethiopia's accession Working Party occurred in January 2020. The delegation visiting Geneva included Ambassador Mesganu Arga Moach; Yasmin Wohabrebbi Saeed; Eyob Tekalign Tolina; Belayihun Yirga Kifile; Debele Kabeta Hursa; Fikadu Digafie Huriso; and Zeleke Temesgen Boru.