Ethiopia has secured a key endorsement from Argentina as it moves closer to World Trade Organization membership, following the completion of bilateral market access negotiations in Geneva.

The deal was confirmed in meetings between Ethiopia’s Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe, and Ambassador Gustavo Lunazzi of Argentina’s Permanent Mission. Minister Gofe described the technical-level agreement as a “significant milestone” and noted the potential for expanded cooperation in agriculture, technology, aviation, and tourism. Ambassador Lunazzi reaffirmed Argentina’s support for Ethiopia’s accession and highlighted further opportunities in agriculture, mining, energy, aviation, and digital trade.

Alongside bilateral discussions, the Ethiopian delegation met Rebecca F. Lamb, chair of the WTO Working Party on Ethiopia, to review the broader membership process. Lamb said Ethiopia’s accession remains on track, supported by a majority of WTO members, while stressing the importance of concluding remaining bilateral agreements and resolving technical matters promptly.

Ethiopia’s pursuit of WTO membership began in 2003, but the process has faced long pauses, with negotiations resuming only in early 2025. Since then, the country has held several meetings with WTO members and concluded bilateral negotiations with 12 partners. The government aims to finalise all outstanding agreements by March 2026, ahead of the 14th WTO Ministerial Conference in Yaoundé, Cameroon.