Ethiopia’s bid to join WTO Promising, says Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration

Addis Ababa, March 24, 2024 (FBC) – Ethiopia’s request for accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO) is promising, according to Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration.

Briefing chairpersons of Standing Committee of the House of People’s Representatives today, Trade and Regional Integration State Minister Kassahun Gofe said accession to the World Trade Organization will enable Ethiopia to expand its global trade relations.

ENA quoted Kassahun as saying: “The accession process did not progress well due to various reasons although negotiation to join WTO has been going on for many years.”

Due to the attention given by the current government, however, the process has been showing promising results since last year.

The briefing is aimed at seeking support from the House to solve the obstacles that may arise, the ministry pointed out.

Recall that Ethiopia initially placed a formal request for accession to the WTO 20 years ago; but progress faltered following a halt in the quest for accession, and negotiations resumed in 2020.

During the 4th WTO meeting in that year, member countries unanimously voiced support for Ethiopia’s bid, it was learned.