Access Bank Hosts 2024 French Business Forum, Strengthening Nigeria-France Trade Relations
Access Bank PLC has taken a pivotal step in fostering international trade partnerships by hosting the 2024 French Week Business Forum at its Lagos headquarters. The forum, which marked the opening of the annual French Week celebration, underscored Access Bank’s role in advancing economic ties between Nigeria and France, creating a platform for trust, growth, and innovation.
The event welcomed an array of distinguished guests, including the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, the French Consul General in Lagos, the President of the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chairman of Access Holdings PLC. High-ranking government officials, including the Lagos State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment, and the Technical Adviser to Nigeria’s President on Foreign Direct Investment, conveyed federal support for initiatives that bolster cross-border trade.
In his remarks, Laurent Favier, Consul General of France, commended Access Bank’s efforts in strengthening France-Nigeria economic relations. He noted the bank’s growing footprint in France, exemplified by its Paris presence and the establishment of a dedicated French Desk in Nigeria to streamline bilateral transactions.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC and President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, highlighted the council’s role in enhancing the business environment for both nations. “The France-Nigeria Business Council seeks to create an enabling and secure environment for cross-border businesses, driving policies that foster economic growth,” he stated.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank Nigeria, emphasized the bank’s commitment to elevating African businesses on the global stage. “Access Bank is dedicated to empowering local businesses by improving access to information, credit, and capital. Our Paris office strengthens Nigeria’s influence while promoting investments aligned with Africa’s economic transformation,” Ogbonna explained.
French Ambassador Marc Fonbaustier closed the event by reiterating the forum’s importance as a catalyst for bilateral trade and investments. “This platform enhances our economic relationship, strengthening existing trade channels and fostering new partnerships,” he remarked.
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The successful launch of the French Week 2024 Business Forum solidifies Access Bank’s position as a key driver of Nigeria’s international trade ambitions, promoting shared economic prosperity and sustainable partnerships between the two nations.
Source: Access Bank
