Victor Ezeja
Zenith Bank Group Managing Director/Chief Executive, Dr Adaora Umeoji, has stated that the bank’s new branch office in Paris will strengthen trade relationship between African business people and their European counterparts.
She said the decision to open a banking outpost in Paris was a strategic one because it is a major economic hub and plays a pivotal role to the European Union (EU) countries as well as Africa Francophone countries.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelDr Umeoji stated this in an interview with CNN, highlighting how the Paris branch will help business relationships and advancements.
Prime Business Africa reports that Zenith Bank, one of Africa’s largest lenders, opened a branch in Paris on Thursday. This becomes its first outpost in the EU.
The Zenith Bank CEO said the new branch is part of the bank’s commitment to satisfy its customers quest to have a representation outside Nigeria as their businesses are expanding.
She emphasised that the bank is not just a Nigerian bank but a global brand.
“So we felt there’s a need for us to actually move into Europe as a hub where most African business people, as well as European business people, will be able to foster trade relationship, and to be able to harness their opportunities for skill,” Umeoji stated.
“For us in Zenith, it is very strategic, because we feel that Paris especially, is a major economic hub. They have a strong economy, and we know they play a pivotal role to the EU countries as well as Africa Francophone countries.
“So we felt coming here, will help to improve business relationship between the two countries as well as business relationship between customers and individuals, as well as most of our diaspora Nigerians that live here. They need that opportunity to be able to have a bank that understands them, that will promote their business and help them grow.”
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She further explained that the the bank’s new branch would offer advisory services, and unique products to European clients going into businesses in Africa.
The inauguration of the Paris branch was part of activities during President Bola Tinubu’s State visit to France.
The official launch of the Paris branch office witnessed the presence of President Tinubu, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, and other top business leaders, including President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu, UBA Group Chairman, Tony Elumelu, Access Holdings Chairman, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede among others on Thursday.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
