Ethiopia has concluded bilateral market discussions with China as part of its obligations as a World Trade Organization (WTO) applicant, the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration announced.

The negotiations, which form part of Ethiopia’s ongoing trade diplomacy, follow recent bilateral market talks with Turkey and Argentina. The minister of trade and regional integration, Kassahun Gofe (PhD) confirmed that the third round of market discussions was finalised in Geneva, Switzerland, facilitated through the Ethiopian Embassy.

China is Ethiopia’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing, energy, construction, and telecommunications. Bilateral trade between the two countries reached approximately 3.55 billion US dollars in 2024, rising 17.5 per cent year-on-year. The two governments have also established a joint working group on investment and economic cooperation to expand trade channels and target strategic sectors.

Ethiopia applied for WTO membership in 2003 and has been engaged in a multistage accession process, including bilateral market-access negotiations with existing members. The government has signalled readiness for membership, implementing reforms such as revised tariffs, streamlined business licensing, and alignment with continental trade frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Officials have expressed optimism that the accession process could be concluded by March 2026.