•As Zenith Bank opens Paris branch
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Two agreements that would guarantee collaboration on the construction of vital infrastructure and the long-term sustainability of agriculture and food security were signed on Thursday in Paris, France, by French President Emmanuel Macron and President Bola Tinubu.
According to a statement released by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, earlier, President Tinubu and President Emmanuel Macron witnessed the signing of the agreement by the United Bank for Africa (UBA) Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu and Mr. Antoine Armand, the French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry for the bank to commence operations in Paris.
Zenith Bank also inaugurated its services in the country during the visit.
The partnership agreements were signed at an economic forum attended by businessmen, captains of industry, governors, and some top government officials of both countries at the Palais des Elysée in Paris, France, during President Tinubu’s state visit.
Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, and Armand signed the Letter of Intent.
According to the document: “The two countries affirmed their commitment to work together on investment and development of critical infrastructure, healthcare transportation, agricultural value chain, renewable energy, and human capital development, through diverse financial and technical assistance programmes, of over Euros 300 million spread across all geopolitical zones in the country.
“The two countries committed to forge a strategic relationship in project implementation and enhance mutual trade and cross border services by removing fiscal barriers while protecting labour rights.”
The Minister of Finance, Edun, and Chief Executive Officer of the French Development Agency (AFD), Remi Rioux, signed another Letter of Intent to support the Renewed Hope Agenda reforms designed to stimulate and strengthen the economy.