GENEVA, Switzerland (HornPost) — Ethiopia and Brazil have signed a bilateral trade agreement covering goods and services. The agreement marks another step in Ethiopia’s ongoing efforts to join the World Trade Organization (WTO).
The agreement was signed Tuesday at the WTO headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
The two countries were represented by Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew, Ethiopia’s permanent representative to the United Nations Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, and Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, Brazil’s permanent representative to the WTO.
Agreement Marks Progress for Ethiopia
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Ambassador Kebebew described the agreement as both a technical achievement and a sign of stronger relations between Ethiopia and Brazil.
He said the deal reflects their shared commitment to South-South cooperation, multilateralism and development. He also noted that completing bilateral negotiations with Brazil marks an important milestone in Ethiopia’s WTO accession process.
Kebebew added that the agreement could help Ethiopia integrate more fully into the global trading system. It also supports the country’s wider economic reform agenda and efforts to attract trade and investment.
Brazil Reaffirms Support for Ethiopia
Ambassador Patriota highlighted the longstanding and friendly relations between Brazil and Ethiopia. He also reaffirmed Brazil’s support for Ethiopia’s efforts to join the WTO.
Patriota said Ethiopia’s future membership would strengthen the multilateral trading system. He noted that the move would bring a growing economy into the global trade body and create opportunities for closer economic cooperation.
He also confirmed Brazil’s commitment to supporting Ethiopia throughout the remaining stages of the accession process. In addition, he expressed interest in expanding trade and investment between the two countries.
Both ambassadors thanked the WTO Secretariat for its technical assistance and support during the negotiations.
Protocol Submitted to WTO Secretariat
The ceremony concluded with the formal exchange of the signed protocol and its annexes. The documents were also deposited with the WTO Secretariat for inclusion in Ethiopia’s accession records.
Ethiopia has been negotiating bilateral market access agreements with WTO members as part of its accession requirements. These negotiations aim to establish the terms under which other members will gain access to Ethiopia’s market.
The agreement with Brazil represents further progress in that process. However, Ethiopia’s accession still depends on completing the remaining negotiations and meeting the WTO’s membership requirements.
Prepared by: HornPost Staff Reporter
Email: info@hornpost.com
Website: www.hornpost.com
Location: Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
