Ethiopia and Thailand are seeking to strengthen trade and investment relations as business representatives from both countries explored new opportunities for private-sector cooperation at an Ethio-Thailand Business Forum held in Addis Ababa.
The forum brought together 13 Thai companies and a number of Ethiopian business representatives to discuss opportunities in trade, investment and partnerships across key sectors of the economy.
Speaking at the event, Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia and Pacific Affairs at Ethiopia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the growing bilateral relationship and called for stronger economic ties between the two countries.
He stressed the importance of translating the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Thailand into deeper economic cooperation and people-to-people connections, with greater involvement from the private sector.
Representing Thailand, Arthayudh Srisamoot, Advisor to Thailand’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, reaffirmed Bangkok’s interest in expanding economic and diplomatic relations with Ethiopia.
Srisamoot also highlighted the possibility of reopening Thailand’s resident embassy in Addis Ababa, a move that could provide further momentum to bilateral engagement and facilitate closer business and diplomatic ties.
He identified several areas with significant potential for Thai investment, including agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, healthcare, construction materials, agricultural machinery and financial services.
Ethiopia showcases investment opportunities
Ethiopian officials used the forum to present the country’s investment potential and ongoing economic reforms to Thai businesses.
Representatives of the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Ministry of Industry and Ethiopian Investment Commission outlined investment opportunities, particularly in the manufacturing sector. They also presented Ethiopia’s Homegrown Economic Reform programme and measures aimed at creating a more favorable environment for investors.
Officials highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic geographic location, extensive air connectivity and potential role as a gateway to the wider African market as key advantages for international investors.
For Thai companies, Ethiopia offers access not only to its large domestic market but also to opportunities linked to the broader African economy. For Ethiopian businesses, stronger engagement with Thailand could provide new sources of investment, technology, expertise and access to Asian markets.
A platform for business partnerships
The forum provided a platform for companies from the two countries to establish contacts, exchange information and identify potential areas for cooperation.
The participation of Thai companies from diverse sectors reflects growing interest in Ethiopia’s economic potential, while the presence of Ethiopian government institutions and businesses underscored Addis Ababa’s efforts to attract foreign investment and expand international commercial partnerships.
The meeting represents another step toward transforming the longstanding diplomatic friendship between Ethiopia and Thailand into stronger commercial ties.
With both sides identifying agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services and other sectors as areas of opportunity, the forum could help pave the way for greater trade, investment and private-sector partnerships between Ethiopia and Thailand.
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