Ethiopia has taken a major stride toward full integration into the global economy, successfully concluding a crucial market access agreement with Turkey. This landmark deal is essential for moving forward with Ethiopia’s long-anticipated World Trade Organization (WTO) accession.

The agreement was officially signed by Ethiopian officials and Turkey’s Minister of Trade, Professor Somar Bolat, while both were attending the Africa-Turkey Trade Ministerial Meeting. The bilateral negotiation is a key requirement Ethiopia must satisfy as it works to secure favorable market access from WTO member states and formally enter the global trading body.

While negotiations with other key countries are partially complete, the government reports that consultations are progressing successfully.

This progress builds on momentum gained at the recent 6th WTO Working Party Meeting, which strengthened Ethiopia’s technical readiness and strategic positioning ahead of the 7th meeting. Finalizing these agreements is expected to facilitate enhanced trade cooperation, fuel sustainable economic growth, and significantly expand market opportunities for Ethiopian businesses around the world.