French Minister for Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness, Olivier Becht.
The French government is interested in expanding trade relations with Nigeria regarding agricultural exports, according to Olivier Becht, Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness in France.
Becht said as much on Friday at the Food for Nations digital trade platform launch.
JR Farms is the creator of the Food for Nations digital trade platform, which aims to facilitate access to the French market and other European markets for agribusiness value chain participants.
In his welcome speech, Becht expressed confidence that the platform’s launch would greatly enhance trade relations between France and Nigeria in the agribusiness sector.
He said, “This platform marks a significant milestone in the ties between France and Nigeria. The agri-food industry stands as a beacon for cooperation between our two great nations.
“France, with its culinary heritage and its advanced technical know-how plays a pivotal role in harnessing the quality and diversity of food in the Nigerian market.”
JR Farms CEO Olawale Rotimi has celebrated partnerships that have led to growth, stating that the company has signed an agreement with two French companies to train selected cohorts on best agribusiness practices.
Rotimi expressed optimism that the Food for Nations platform will connect Nigeria to the European market and is in talks to birth the first food cargo in Nigeria in partnership with Air France.
He expressed the desire for more collaborations and economic ties between Nigeria and France. JR Farms is also planning to acquire farmlands in France, considering France’s grain exports to North and West Africa and commodities that can be moved to France.