Addis Ababa:Ethiopia's efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO) are nearing the final phase, as stated by the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the ministry highlighted that concluding the negotiation process and achieving full WTO membership will enhance Ethiopia's economic reforms and promote sustainable growth. The accession process is prioritized nationally, focusing on multilateral negotiations and bilateral market access agreements.
Ethiopia has progressed through several rounds of multilateral reviews, addressing inquiries from WTO member states. This has led to the drafting of the Working Party Report. Concurrently, bilateral negotiations have been conducted with 17 countries, resulting in formal agreements with 11, while talks with the remaining six are ongoing.
The Ministry emphasized that WTO membership will offer Ethiopia a modern trading system, safeguarding the nation's interests and increasing its involvement in global trade legislation. The membership is expected to streamline export procedures, attract foreign investment, expand market access, and facilitate deeper integration into global value chains. Institutional capacity will also be strengthened through alignment with international standards.
To maximize membership benefits, the government has undertaken extensive preparations, including enhancing the competitiveness of domestic sectors, implementing legal reforms, and engaging the local business community. Key priorities include preparing for the eighth Working Party meeting, finalizing bilateral discussions, and addressing issues requiring high-level decisions. Continuation of these efforts is vital for the successful completion of Ethiopia's WTO accession process.
