This Leo has just learned from Reuters that Ethiopia may officially join the WTO club in 2015. According to the report, Ethiopia will 'apparently' not be signing off a lot; for example, by significantly liberalising its economy. Perhaps, this may well be as a result of the streamlined entry standards agreed last year for least-developed countries (LDCs). As a LDC and currently a non-WTO Member, Ethiopia would, generally, not be concerned with the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) extension for LDCs last month. But a little scratch beneath the surface reveals an already-established interest in IP.
In fact, Afro Leo feels that Ethiopia has generated tangible publicity in relation to IP (for example, see here, here, here and here) than some African countries who are current WTO Members. And, when it comes to the A-Z series, Ethiopia's IP office has a commendable web presence when compared to some - not to mention others who do not even have any.
Let's see what happens in 2015.
------------------------------------------------------------Why the WTO thinks open trade is good, see here
Is Ethiopia a signatory to the Marrakesh Treaty? Yes she is!
