Addis Ababa, November 4, 2025 (FMC) — Ethiopia and China have formally signed a Bilateral Market Access Protocol at the World Trade Organization (WTO) Headquarters in Geneva, marking a significant step forward in Ethiopia’s accession to the WTO.
The agreement was signed by Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Tsegab Kebebew, and China’s Permanent Representative to the WTO, Li Yongjie.
The signing follows a period of constructive dialogue and technical negotiations between the two countries, reflecting their shared commitment to deepening economic cooperation and promoting a fair, inclusive, and rules-based global trading system.
The Protocol marks the successful conclusion of Ethiopia–China bilateral market access negotiations on trade in goods and services within the framework of Ethiopia’s WTO accession process, it has been learned.
With its adoption, Ethiopia moves closer to completing all bilateral market access negotiations and consolidating its multilateral commitments in preparation for full membership.
Ethiopia’s Permanent Mission in UN Geneva told Fana Media Corporation that the milestone underscores the East African nation’s dedication to an open, development-oriented trading system that supports national transformation, strengthens regional integration, and aligns with Africa’s broader vision for equitable participation in the global economy.