Access Bank Hosts French Week 2024 Business Forum, Strengthening Nigeria-France Economic Relations
Access Bank PLC has underscored its commitment to enhancing trade relations between Nigeria and France by hosting the French Week 2024 Business Forum at its headquarters in Lagos.
The forum marked the commencement of the annual French Week celebration, bringing together high-profile stakeholders to foster bilateral collaborations and drive innovation within the economic space shared by both nations.
The prestigious event attracted an array of dignitaries, including the Ambassador of France to Nigeria, the Consul General of France in Lagos, the President of the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and the Chairman of Access Holdings PLC.
Other notable attendees included the Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment in Lagos and the Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment, who conveyed the federal government’s full support for strengthening cross-border partnerships.
In his opening remarks, Mr Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France, commended Access Bank’s expanding presence in France, particularly through its strong footprint in Paris and its establishment of a French Desk in Nigeria.
He described these initiatives as pivotal to facilitating seamless business transactions between the two nations. “Access Bank continues to champion France-Nigeria economic relations, ensuring smoother trade engagements and fostering mutual growth,” Favier remarked.
Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC and President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, highlighted the council’s integral role in promoting policies that create a conducive business environment for both nations.
“The France-Nigeria Business Council seeks to play a crucial role in supporting our government, businesses, and citizens to create a more enabling, uplifting, and secure environment for cross-border businesses,” he stated.
Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank Nigeria, during a panel session, detailed the bank’s efforts to support African businesses on the global stage.
“Access Bank is dedicated to giving Africa a voice internationally by helping local businesses scale through improved access to information, credit, and capital. Our presence in Paris not only amplifies Nigeria’s influence but also fosters investments that align with Africa’s ongoing economic transformations,” Ogbonna said.
The event concluded with remarks by HE Marc Fonbaustier, the Ambassador of France, who emphasised the forum’s significance in advancing bilateral economic relations.
“This platform offers a rare opportunity to strengthen existing trade and investment channels while fostering new partnerships between Nigeria and France,” he stated.
With the successful hosting of the French Week 2024 Business Forum, Access Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a major player in the global business landscape.
By fostering sustainable partnerships and promoting shared economic growth, the bank continues to pave the way for a brighter future in international trade and investment.
Source: Oriental News
