China to Continue Supporting Ethiopia’s WTO Entry, Reaffirms Top Official

Addis Ababa, April 3, 2026 (ENA) —China has reaffirmed its commitment to support Ethiopia in its bid to join the World Trade Organization, underscoring growing economic and strategic ties between the two countries.

 

Speaking in Addis Ababa, Wu Weihua, Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress of China, said China is ready to “continue playing a positive coordination role” to help advance Ethiopia’s accession process.

The remarks came during discussions with Tagesse Chafo, Speaker of Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives, where both sides explored ways to deepen cooperation on bilateral, regional, and global issues.

 

Tagesse emphasized the long-standing and evolving partnership between the two nations, describing it as an “all-weather strategic partnership” built on mutual trust and shared interests.

He noted Ethiopia’s commitment to expanding cooperation across people-to-people ties, parliamentary engagement, business relations, and international coordination.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s strategic importance, the speaker described the country as a gateway to Africa and a diplomatic hub, hosting the headquarters of the African Union.

He added that Ethiopia stands ready to play a greater role in strengthening China–Africa relations.

Economic cooperation remains central to the partnership, with major projects such as the Ethio-Djibouti Railway serving as a key symbol of collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, he further noted.

 

The railway continues to function as a vital trade corridor for Ethiopia’s imports and exports, according to the speaker.

Chinese investment in Ethiopia has also expanded significantly, with projects valued at around 9.6 billion U.S. dollars, contributing to job creation and industrial growth, it was disclosed.

Tagesse expressed appreciation for China’s continued support in Ethiopia’s effort to join the WTO, calling for sustained cooperation to finalize the process.

Wu Weihua, for his part, reaffirmed China’s unwavering backing of Ethiopia’s WTO accession, noting that bilateral negotiations and agreements were successfully concluded in 2025. He added that Ethiopia’s exports to China have nearly doubled, reflecting growing trade ties between the two countries.

 

China, he said, is ready to import more high-quality Ethiopian products while working to improve the structure of bilateral trade. He also highlighted plans to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and manufacturing, while expanding into emerging sectors such as new energy vehicles, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence to support Ethiopia’s industrialization and modernization.

Wu further expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s continued role in advancing broader China–Africa cooperation, emphasizing the country’s strategic position on the continent.