Addis Ababa, August 29, 2026 (FMC) — Thailand plans to establish a resident embassy in Addis Ababa as Ethiopia and Thailand seek to translate their longstanding relations into stronger business, investment and economic partnerships.
The plan was disclosed by Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to Thailand’s Foreign Minister, during the Ethiopia-Thailand Business Bridge forum held in Addis Ababa today, bringing together business representatives and diplomats from the two countries.
Srisamoot said the establishment of a Thai embassy with a resident ambassador in Addis Ababa would facilitate closer linkages between Ethiopia and Thailand.
He noted that bilateral trade and investment relations remain below their potential and said the Business Bridge forum aims to strengthen the foundation for greater economic and developmental cooperation by turning shared opportunities into practical partnerships.
He further highlighted recent high-level engagements between the two countries and efforts to strengthen coordination between governments and the private sector.
He cited the establishment of a political consultation dialogue and strengthened cooperation between the respective Chambers of Commerce as recent initiatives at the foreign affairs level.
Speaking at the forum, Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs Director-General Dewano Kedir said the Ethiopia-Thailand Business Bridge provides a critical platform for creating practical pathways that enable companies from both countries to invest, expand their businesses and build stronger partnerships.
He described the forum as a meaningful opportunity to bring Ethiopia and Thailand together through a dedicated platform for business, partnership and mutual opportunity, noting renewed and active engagement between the two countries.
Dewano said the renewed engagement reflects a commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, particularly people-to-people and business-to-business ties.
He emphasized that Ethiopia’s friendship and cooperation with Thailand extends beyond diplomatic relations, noting that many Ethiopians travel to Thailand for medical treatment while trade, tourism and investment linkages between the two countries continue to expand.
He said the Business Bridge was designed not merely for discussion, but to generate practical collaboration through business matchmaking, networking and the creation of actionable pathways for companies.
Dewano also assured Thai business leaders that Ethiopia is ready to support their investment efforts and welcomed engagement in finance, petroleum and energy-related sectors, agriculture and value chains, industrial development, and consumer goods and services.
He encouraged Thai investors to explore opportunities in Ethiopian coffee and other areas of agriculture, agro-processing, mining and industry, where partnerships could contribute to job creation and value addition.
Ambassador-Designate of Thailand to Ethiopia Jirusaya Birananda said the forum demonstrates growing interest and confidence in strengthening economic and commercial ties between the two countries.
She said Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform and development momentum present major investment opportunities in agriculture and agro-processing, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, digital technology and services, according to a report by local news agency ENA.
Birananda noted that nine Thai companies participating in the forum represent credible business engagement and called for partnerships to move beyond conventional buyer-supplier relationships toward investment, technology cooperation and joint value creation.