Addis Ababa, June 25, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia has taken another significant step toward membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO) after signing a Bilateral Market Access Protocol with New Zealand at the WTO headquarters in Geneva.
The agreement marks a fresh milestone in Ethiopia’s long-standing accession process and underscores continued progress in the country’s efforts to integrate more deeply into the global trading system as part of its ongoing economic reform agenda.
The protocol was signed by Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland, Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, and New Zealand’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and Chair of the WTO General Council, Ambassador Clare Kelly.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Tsegab said the agreement reflects the shared commitment of Ethiopia and New Zealand to strengthening economic cooperation and promoting an open, transparent, and rules-based multilateral trading system.
He reaffirmed that accession to the WTO remains a strategic national priority under Ethiopia’s comprehensive economic reform program, which seeks to enhance competitiveness, expand trade opportunities, and attract greater investment.
For her part, Ambassador Clare Kelly congratulated Ethiopia on reaching the milestone and reiterated New Zealand’s continued support for the country’s successful accession to the World Trade Organization.
Ethiopia has been steadily advancing bilateral negotiations with WTO members as part of the accession process, with the latest agreement representing another important step toward securing membership in the global trade body.