ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 25 (AGCNewsNet) - Ethiopia is close to securing membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO), with final negotiations set for late February or early March, a senior government official said on Monday.

Trade and Regional Integration Minister, Kassahun Goffe, said the accession talks had reached a crucial stage, marking a significant step in Ethiopia’s efforts to integrate into the global trading system after years of preparation and reform.

“This is a historic opportunity for Ethiopia to strengthen its economy and attract foreign investment,” Goffe said. “Joining the WTO opens new doors for exporters and creates a platform for sustainable growth.”

Ethiopia first applied for WTO membership in 2003 and has since implemented substantial economic and trade policy reforms to meet the organization’s stringent requirements. The upcoming talks in Geneva will focus on finalizing key agreements, including market access commitments and domestic regulatory adjustments.

A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Goffe, recently met with WTO officials in Geneva. The delegation, which included representatives from various institutions, completed all necessary documentation for distribution to member states, paving the way for the fifth round of negotiations.

Discussions will cover critical aspects such as tariff structures, service sector liberalization, agricultural subsidies, intellectual property protections, and compliance with global trade standards.

A key issue in the negotiations is Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring fair competition while safeguarding local industries from external market pressures.

In a recent interview with local media, State Minister for Trade and Regional Integration Yasmin Wohabrebbi emphasized the significance of the upcoming negotiations, calling them a crucial step toward Ethiopia’s long-awaited WTO membership.

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