On January 12, Chinese Commerce Minister Chen Deming, who was on a visit to Ethiopia, and Ethiopian Trade and Industry Minister Girma changed Notes on Government of the People's Republic of China Granting Zero-Tariff Treatment to Part of Commodities Exported to China from Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (hereinafter "Notes"). In accordance with the Notes, the tariff numbers of Ethiopian exports to China enjoying Zero-tariff treatment increased from 400 to over 4700.

In the 4th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held in last November, Chinese Government announced that China would grant zero-tariff to 95% products exported from the least developed countries in three years. In 2010, about 60% products will enjoy the treatment. At present, China was actively making preparation with relevant countries in Africa.

Chen stated China was earnestly implementing various achievements reached at the 4th FOCAC Ministerial Conference, and Chinese party will offer zero-tariff treatment for products exported from the least developed African countries including Ethiopia to China so as to bolster African enterprises to explore market in China and expand the import from Africa so as to drive the development of related industries of African countries.

Girma appreciated the grant of zero-tariff treatment by China. He said that China had a huge market with 1.3 billion people. And such treatment, covering most products exported from Ethiopia, will surely play an active important role in promoting the mutual trade balance and Ethiopian economic development.