Ethiopia is accelerating its integration into regional and global trade and investment networks, driven by a comprehensive homegrown economic reform agenda, the Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Kassahun Gofe, said on Wednesday.
The minister made the remarks while opening a five-day international Trade fair at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, designed to promote Ethiopian products and
facilitate market linkages.
He highlighted reforms such as opening key sectors to foreign investors, simplifying business start-up and operational procedures, and revising the foreign exchange system, which have improved the business climate, modernized strategic sectors, and enhanced competitiveness.
Kassahun emphasized the government’s commitment to regional and global economic integration, noting that trade fairs provide a platform for buyers, sellers, and business leaders to strengthen partnerships, improve market access, and promote fair trade.
Expanding export markets, encouraging value addition, and boosting trade competitiveness remain top priorities. During the first half of the current budget year, Ethiopia earned 5.1 billion U.S. dollars from exports, while inflation fell to single-digit levels.
The country is targeting 10.2 percent economic growth by the end of the 2025/2026 fiscal year, supported by ongoing reforms.
The trade fair has attracted participation from over 300 local companies and about 50 major firms from 20 countries, with several foreign investors expressing interest in establishing operations in Ethiopia, according to organizers and the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations.