FNCCI HOLDS PRESS BRIEFING

The Franco-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFN) on Tuesday 19^th of January 20, 2016 held a press briefing to introduce the operations of the organization to the General public.

CCIFN which was formed in 1985 with the mission to foster trade investment relations between France and Nigeria hosted the French Consul General and members of the press at the French Consulate in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The event started with the introduction of the Consul General, Laurent POLONCEAUX, the new chairman Oye Hassan-ODUKALE, the vice chairman Yves-Robert LEFEBURE, the General manager Esther GAMBE and members of the board in attendance.

In his speech, the Consul General emphasized that the French government will do all it can through the CCIFN to consolidate on the business relationship between both countries- Nigeria and France.

Mr. Hassan, the board chairman on the other hand confirmed the claims by stating that Nigerians are having the highest level of cooperation from the French.

He also went further to state that "people who have legitimate businesses to do in France will be given the needed support including ease of visa acquisition and other legal assistance and logistics".

Moreover, the General Manager highlighted the activities and achievements of the CCIFN over the last 30 years of its existence.

She stated that the chamber has been in the forefront in encouraging business establishment in Nigeria while hinting that they are working to have robust programs in 2016.

"The chamber creates a platform for businesses. It helps and guide them in registering and adhering to international standards by doing the necessary groundwork’s for such businesses", she said.

Mrs. Esther also added that “another aspect where The FNCCI makes contributions is in rendering legal advisory services to our members".

However, language barriers and lack of credibility among Nigerians were largely highlighted by board members to be some of the challenges that are facing the evolving business relationship between both countries which the chamber promised to reduce in their capacity.

Meanwhile, the chamber also promised to carry out its corporate social responsibility for the year in the aspect of educating young Nigerians especially secondary school students in French language.

The language teaching scheme according to the general manager will cut across private and public schools in Lagos as personnel and logistics will be sent to selected schools.

The chamber therefore seeks the cooperation of relevant bodies like the ministry of Commerce and Industry, the Lagos chamber of commerce and industry and others as it hopes to contribute in the development of the Nigerian economy.

Report Written By: Samson Uwada and Simon Gzari Amananji (Speakpreneur Content)