French country is profitable (4)

I believe the answer is:

pays

I believe this clue is a double definition.

'french country' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)

'is profitable' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)

(Other definitions for pays that I've seen before include "Foots the bill" , "Gives money in return for something" , "Forks out" , "Imburses" , "Is profitable, country (Fr.)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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