Ethiopia, Thailand Vow to Elevate Business Collaboration to Higher Levels

Addis Ababa, August 29, 2026 (ENA) —Ethiopia and Thailand have expressed their commitment to elevate business cooperation to higher levels at the business-to-business (B2B) meeting held in Addis Ababa today.

Speaking at the Ethiopia-Thailand Business Bridge forum, which brought together company representatives and diplomats of both countries, Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs Director-General, Dewano Kedir, said the forum is a critical platform for creating real pathways that enable companies from both countries to invest, expand their businesses, and strengthen practical partnerships.

 

He described the occasion as a meaningful opportunity to bring Ethiopia and Thailand together once again through a dedicated platform for business, partnership, and mutual opportunity.

The two sides are witnessing renewed and active engagement, he added, noting that the business bridge reflects the spirit of cooperation and reaffirmed a commitment to strengthen bilateral relations—particularly people-to-people and business-to-business ties.

Thailand is an important partner for Ethiopia, the Director-General said, adding that friendship and cooperation between the two countries extend beyond diplomacy.

He highlighted that many Ethiopians travel to Thailand for medical treatment and business linkages through trade, tourism, and investment are expanding.

 

According to Dewano, the Business Bridge is not just about speeches, but about practical collaboration through matchmaking, networking, and creating actionable pathways for companies.

He assured Thai business leaders that Ethiopia is ready to support their efforts, welcoming companies in sectors including finance, petroleum and energy-related areas, agriculture and value chains, industrial development, and consumer goods and services.

The Director-General also encouraged investment in Ethiopian coffee and other opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, mining, and industry as areas where partnerships can create jobs and value addition.

For his part, Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to Thailand’s Foreign Minister, stated that bilateral trade and investment ties remain below their potential; and said the business bridge aims to strengthen the foundation for greater economic and developmental cooperation turning shared opportunities into practical partnerships.

 

The Advisor added that recent high-level engagements include meetings between Ethiopia and Thailand’s senior leadership as well as discussions on strengthening coordination between governments and private sectors.

Initiatives witnessed by both sides at the foreign affairs level include the establishment of a political consultation dialogue and strengthened cooperation between chambers of commerce.

Srisamoot also revealed plans for Thailand to establish a Thai embassy with residence in Addis Ababa, describing it as an important step to facilitate closer linkages between the two countries.

Ambassador-Designate of Thailand to Ethiopia, Jirusaya Birananda said the event reflects growing interest and confidence in strengthening economic and commercial ties.

Noting that both nations share long-standing friendly relations grounded in trust, she described Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform and the development momentum as major opportunities for investment across sectors such as agriculture and agro-processing, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals and healthcare, manufacturing, tourism, digital technology, and services.

 

According to Birananda, nine Thai companies attending the forum represent credible business participation, and she called for partnerships beyond buyers and suppliers—toward investors, technology partners, and co-creators of value.