Ethiopia and Thailand sign agreement on mutual market access

Ethiopia has taken another step in the process of joining the World Trade Organisation (WTO) by signing a bilateral protocol on market access with Thailand. The document forms part of the negotiation process for the country’s accession to the organisation. This was reported by ENA, a partner of TV BRICS.

The protocol formalises the agreements between the parties on market access issues and paves the way for the further development of trade and economic cooperation between Ethiopia and Thailand.

The document was signed by Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka, Ethiopia’s Permanent Representative to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva, and Ambassador Pimchanok Pitfield, Thailand’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO).

The ceremony was attended by representatives of the governments of both countries, the WTO Secretariat and Thailand’s Vice Minister for Commerce, Kirida Bhaopichitr.

"The Protocol is more than the conclusion of bilateral negotiations. It reflects the enduring friendship between Ethiopia and Thailand, our shared confidence in the multilateral trading system, and our common commitment to expanding trade, investment, and economic cooperation," said Ambassador Tsegab.

Thailand’s Vice Minister for Commerce expressed support for Ethiopia’s bid to join the WTO and noted that the agreement creates new opportunities to expand trade and strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

The parties also reaffirmed their commitment to an open and rules-based global trading system. In their view, Ethiopia’s accession to the WTO will help accelerate the country’s economic transformation and strengthen its position in the global economy.

Ethiopia continues to work towards fulfilling the conditions for accession to the organisation and moving towards greater integration into global trade.