Food for Nations Launching: Speech Delivered by Honourable Minister of Foreign Trade and Economic Attractiveness for France
Lagos, 24th November 2023.
Honourable Ministers and their representatives,
Honourable Governors and their representatives, Excellency Madam Ambassador, Distinguished representatives of the Nigerian, European, French agribusiness community,
Good morning, ladies and gentlemen, people from the press,
I am very pleased to stand before you today in this beautiful venue, on this momentous occasion, as we gather to launch the “Food for Nations” digital trade platform. This platform marks a significant milestone in the ever-strengthening ties between France and Nigeria in the sectors of agriculture and agribusiness.
It adds another brick to the trade and investments deals the African continent has already built, like the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which happens to be the largest marketplace in the world. It will facilitate exploring avenues for streamlining trade regulations to facilitate smoother cross-border transactions and ensure compliance with standards in France and the EU, Nigeria and the African continent.
The agri-food industry stands as a beacon of promise for cooperation between our two great nations. France, with its rich culinary heritage and advanced technical know-how, is poised to play a pivotal role in enhancing the quality and diversity of food products available to the Nigerian market. With over 70 million acres of underutilised arable land, Nigeria offers a wealth of opportunities for both local and foreign investors, who are willing to join hands and elevate agricultural productivity to new heights.
Aware of the immense opportunities offered by Nigerian potential in agriculture and agribusiness, French President E. Macron is implementing various initiatives aiming at boosting agricultural production and ensuring that each citizen keeps access to food supply. The Food & Agriculture Resilience Mission (FARM) is a dedicated response mechanism based on three pillars: trade, solidarity and production. This last pillar would ensure a significant increase in investments in sustainable food production and resilient agriculture value chains. It would prioritise the enhancement of rural development and agro-food production by accelerating large-scale programs such as the Great Green Wall and the plant protein initiative.
The “Food for Nations” digital trade platform is an initiative we wholeheartedly applaud. This innovative platform will undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for further strengthening the bilateral relations between our nations in the fields of agriculture and agribusiness. It will facilitate the seamless exchange of agricultural products and expertise, fostering mutually beneficial growth and collaboration.
Today, I am particularly pleased to acknowledge and express our gratitude to visionary Nigerian entrepreneurs such as JR Farms’ CEO, who are playing a pivotal role in invigorating the agribusiness relationship between Nigeria and France. Their dedication and innovative spirit exemplify the tremendous potential that lies within this sector.
Furthermore, it warms my heart to learn that some of these enterprising individuals are actively engaging with the French tech ecosystem, thereby bridging the gap between Nigerian and French innovation and expertise. Such collaborations not only enhance the flow of knowledge but also bring together the best of both worlds, driving progress and innovation to new heights.
Moreover, let me make it clear that France eagerly welcomes Nigerian investments in the agriculture sector, mirroring the forward-thinking endeavours of JR Farms. We believe in the power of partnerships, and we see great potential in fostering cooperation between our nations. This collaboration will not only enrich our agricultural landscapes but also lead to the mutual prosperity of our people.
Another amazing achievement and great step forward as far as Nigeria-France collaboration in agribusiness is concerned will be the presence of a Nigerian Pavilion at the coming Paris International Agriculture Fair (24 Feb-03 Mar 2024). This would not have been thinkable few years ago, and would not have been possible without a strong financial and corporate involvement of the Nigerian private sector.
In conclusion, the “Food for Nations” digital trade platform serves as a symbol of the dynamic and promising relationship between France and Nigeria in the agri-food sector. We stand committed to nurturing this partnership and leveraging the potential it offers to create a better future for our nations. Together, we can achieve remarkable strides in agriculture and agribusiness, benefitting our people and setting an example for international cooperation.
Thank you, and may the “Food for Nations” platform be a shining beacon of our enduring friendship and shared prosperity.
