Oct 26 , 2025
Ethiopia has signed a market access agreement with Argentina, advancing its long-standing bid to join the World Trade Organization (WTO). Trade and Regional Integration Minister, Kasahun Gofe(PhD), described the deal as a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to integrate into the global trading system. Argentina becomes the second country to finalize such an agreement with Ethiopia, following a previous deal with Turkey. Officials note that bilateral market access arrangements are essential for WTO accession and will create long-term opportunities for exports and imports. Since its WTO membership application in 2003, Ethiopia has made gradual progress, previously hampered by structural and policy challenges. Today, a national technical team spanning 35 federal agencies is actively engaged in the process, coordinated by a WTO Committee under the Trade Ministry. Ahead of the latest session, Ethiopia also convened a local WTO Forum and held bilateral negotiations with 14 of the 18 member countries seeking market access.
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