China Reaffirms Support for Ethiopia’s WTO Accession, Pledges Deeper Economic Cooperation

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (FMC) — China has reiterated its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s bid to join the World Trade Organization, highlighting the strengthening economic and strategic relations between the two countries.

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Wu Weihua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of China’s National People’s Congress, said China stands ready to “continue playing a positive coordination role” in advancing Ethiopia’s accession process.

The remarks came during talks with Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives, where the two sides discussed ways to enhance cooperation at bilateral, regional, and global levels.

Tagesse underscored the long-standing and evolving partnership between Ethiopia and China, describing it as an “all-weather strategic partnership” grounded in mutual trust and shared interests.

He noted Ethiopia’s commitment to further strengthening cooperation in people-to-people relations, parliamentary engagement, business ties, and international coordination.

Emphasizing Ethiopia’s strategic role, the Speaker described the country as a gateway to Africa and a diplomatic hub, hosting the headquarters of the African Union.

He added that Ethiopia is prepared to play an expanded role in advancing China–Africa relations.

Economic cooperation remains a central pillar of the partnership, with flagship projects such as the Ethio-Djibouti Railway serving as key examples of collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, he noted.

According to the Speaker, the railway continues to serve as a vital trade corridor for Ethiopia’s imports and exports.

Chinese investment in Ethiopia has also grown significantly, with projects valued at around 9.6 billion U.S. dollars, contributing to job creation and industrial development, it was indicated.

Tagesse expressed appreciation for China’s continued support for Ethiopia’s WTO accession, calling for sustained cooperation to help conclude the process.

Wu Weihua, for his part, reaffirmed China’s firm backing of Ethiopia’s WTO bid, noting that bilateral negotiations and agreements were successfully finalized in 2025. He added that Ethiopia’s exports to China have nearly doubled, reflecting the steady expansion of trade relations between the two countries.

China, he said, is ready to increase imports of high-quality Ethiopian products while working to improve the structure of bilateral trade. He also highlighted plans to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and manufacturing, alongside expanding into emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence to support Ethiopia’s industrialization and modernization.

Wu further expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s continued contribution to broader China–Africa cooperation, citing the country’s strategic importance on the continent.