Access Bank Hosts 2024 French Business Forum, Affirms Boost To Nigeria-France Trade Relations

Access Bank PLC has hosted the French Week 2024 Business Forum at its headquarters in Lagos, affirming its commitment to bolstering trade relations between Nigeria and France.

The event, which kick-started the annual French Week celebration, highlighted Access Bank’s dedication to fostering bilateral business collaborations and creating a platform for growth, trust, and innovation in the France-Nigeria economic space.

The Business Forum attracted high-profile dignitaries, including Ambassador of France to Nigeria, Consul General of France in Lagos, President of the Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Access Holdings Plc. Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade, and Investment in Lagos, as well as the Technical Adviser to the President on Foreign Direct Investment, conveyed the federal government’s full support for advancing cross-border partnerships with France, appreciating Access Bank’s leadership in organising such impactful forums.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Laurent Favier, the Consul General of France, acknowledged Access Bank’s growing presence in France, further underscoring the bank’s pivotal role in facilitating trade between the two nations. He lauded Access Bank for championing France-Nigeria economic relations by establishing both a strong footprint in Paris and a dedicated French Desk in Nigeria to facilitate seamless business transactions.

Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, Chairman of Access Holdings PLC, who also serves as President of the France-Nigeria Business Council, emphasised the council’s role in supporting economic policies that enhance the 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.

During the first panel discussion, Roosevelt Ogbonna, CEO of Access Bank Nigeria, highlighted the bank’s efforts in supporting African presence in global markets. “Access Bank is dedicated to giving Africa a voice on the international stage, helping local businesses scale through better access to information, credit, and capital. Our presence in Paris not only strengthens Nigeria’s influence, but also facilitates investments that align with the ongoing economic transformations on the African continent.”

In his closing remarks, HE Marc Fonbaustier, the Ambassador of France emphasized the significance of the forum as a platform to elevate Nigeria-France trade and investments. “Events like this provide a rare opportunity to enhance our bilateral economic relationship, strengthening existing trade and investment channels and fostering new partnerships.”

With the successful launch of the French Week 2024 Business Forum, Access Bank reaffirms its commitment to positioning Nigeria as a key player in the international business landscape, promoting shared economic growth and sustainable partnerships that benefit both nations.