The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the People's Republic of China have officially signed a Bilateral Market Access Protocol at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva. This signing is a significant step forward in Ethiopia's ongoing process to accede to the WTO. The protocol was signed by Tsegab Kebebew, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations Office and Other International Organizations in Geneva, and Li Yongjie, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the WTO.

This milestone follows constructive dialogue and technical negotiations between the two countries. The successful conclusion of these negotiations focuses on trade in goods and services within the framework of Ethiopia’s WTO accession process. The agreement reflects a shared commitment between Ethiopia and China to deepening economic cooperation and advancing a fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trading system.

With the signing of this protocol, Ethiopia advances toward completing its bilateral market access negotiations and consolidating its multilateral commitments in preparation for full WTO membership. The agreement also reaffirms Ethiopia’s dedication to an open, fair, and development-oriented trading system. This system is intended to support national transformation, regional integration, and Africa's collective vision for equitable participation in the global economy.