31/10/2026
𝐄𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐚 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐆𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦 𝐂𝐨𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐐𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐫𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐖𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐖𝐓𝐎 𝐀𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐆𝐥𝐨𝐛𝐚𝐥 𝐑𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔
has underscored the strategic importance of a strong National Quality Infrastructure (NQI) system for industrialization, export competitiveness, and integration into the multilateral trading system during a joint session on quality infrastructure reforms and WTO accession, held at the World Trade Organization - WTO headquarters in Geneva as part of the 2026 Aid for Trade Global Review.
The session, co-organized by Ethiopia and Germany, with Uzbekistan as a partner, focused on the role of quality infrastructure reforms in facilitating trade and advancing WTO accession. It also highlighted Germany’s commitment to supporting developing countries through its Aid for Trade strategy and longstanding technical cooperation.
The session was opened by H.E. Carmen Heidecke, German Ambassador to the WTO, and moderated by Miyoba Lubemba, Acting Chief of the Office for Africa at the International Trade Centre (ITC). Ethiopian representatives included H.E. Endalew Mekonen Alemae, State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, who delivered a video message, and H.E. Ambassador Tsegab Kebebew Daka, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations Office at Geneva and Other International Organizations in Switzerland. Other speakers included Timur Mashanpin, Deputy Director of Uzbekistan’s Technical Regulation Agency, and Saida Bold, Senior Adviser at Germany’s Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB).
In his video message, State Minister Endalew highlighted Ethiopia’s sustained efforts to establish a modern, internationally recognized NQI system as a foundation for industrialization, trade competitiveness and WTO integration.
He outlined reforms initiated through the National Quality Infrastructure Strategy in 2009, including the transformation of the former Quality and Standards Authority of Ethiopia into specialized institutions responsible for standards, metrology, conformity assessment and accreditation.
He emphasized the importance of sustained investment, institutional capacity-building and international partnerships in advancing these reforms.
Ethiopia’s efforts have benefited from government investment and support from development partners, including Germany, the World Bank and the Republic of Korea. The inauguration of the Ethiopian Quality Village in November 2024 further demonstrated the country’s commitment to an integrated national quality system.
Germany has been a longstanding partner in Ethiopia’s quality infrastructure development through its Aid for Trade strategy and technical cooperation implemented by PTB, Germany’s National Metrology Institute.
Since 2006, this cooperation has contributed to institutional development and technical capacity-building in standards, metrology, accreditation and conformity assessment, supporting Ethiopia’s efforts to align its quality infrastructure with international requirements and facilitate access to global markets.
In his remarks, Ambassador Tsegab highlighted the close link between quality infrastructure development and Ethiopia’s ongoing WTO accession process. He emphasized the importance of aligning national standards and regulatory frameworks with international practices while strengthening institutional and technical capacities. He also underlined the opportunities WTO membership can create for improved market access, investment, predictable trade relations and effective participation in the multilateral trading system.
The discussion highlighted that a functioning quality infrastructure is essential for effective implementation of the WTO Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT). This requires not only appropriate legislation but also capable institutions, qualified experts, modern laboratories, transparent procedures and effective coordination. Such systems are equally important in enabling micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to meet international standards and compete in export markets.
The session also underscored the value of international best practices, targeted technical assistance and comprehensive national quality policies and strategies in developing internationally recognized quality infrastructure systems.
The discussion reaffirmed the importance of Germany’s continued partnership, alongside other development partners, in supporting Ethiopia’s quality infrastructure reforms and WTO accession efforts. It also highlighted the broader contribution of international cooperation to facilitating safe trade, strengthening competitiveness, and promoting sustainable economic development.
Tsegab Kebebew Office of the Prime Minister-Ethiopia UN Geneva Ethiopian Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration
