FSS and CIPE Convene National Roundtable on Trade, Investment, and Competitiveness

The Forum for Social Studies (FSS), in collaboration with the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE), convened a National Roundtable Discussion on Trade, Investment, and Competitiveness on 13 October 2026 at the FSS Headquarters Conference Hall in Addis Ababa.The event featured a presentation of findings from the CIPE–FSS policy research collaboration on Ethiopia’s economic liberalization agenda, which served as a foundation for constructive dialogue among participants.

The roundtable brought together approximately 20 participants representing various sectors of the financial and economic policy landscape, including government ministries, banks, development partners, and the media. Dr. Berhanu  Denu an economist at Addis Ababa University (AAU) and a member of FSS, presented the findings of a research conducted under the theme: Ethiopia’s Economic Reform Agenda. Following his presentation, a live discussion ensued chaired by Dr. Berhanu Beza another economist from the AAU.

Discussions focused on key policy issues, including trade and investment liberalization, Ethiopia’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO), customs and trade facilitation, export readiness, the competitiveness of domestic businesses, and private-sector participation alongside state-owned enterprises (SOEs).

Through the roundtable, participants exchanged perspectives on the opportunities and challenges associated with Ethiopia’s economic liberalization efforts, particularly the role of policy reforms in strengthening domestic business competitiveness and facilitating engagement with foreign investors.

The discussion formed part of the ongoing collaboration between FSS and CIPE to generate policy-relevant research and promote informed dialogue on Ethiopia’s economic reform agenda.