Iran proposes roadmap for ties with France

Chairman of Industrial Development and Renovation Organization (IDRO) of Iran said Tehran is ready to provide a roadmap for expansion of Iran-France cooperation, AVA Diplomatic reports.

Gholamreza Shafei made the remark at a trade gathering attended by industrial and economic officials and businessmen from Iran and France.

As to Iran’s capacities, Shafei said Iran, which enjoys rich energy resources and specialized manpower, has turned into the best regional state for making investments.

Speaking in the same gathering, French Ambassador to Iran Bruno Foucher said the visiting delegation from France aims to help boost Tehran-Paris trade ties.

“The French economic delegation, which arrived in the Iranian capital Monday morning, is to review the economic capacities of Iran,” he said.

The French diplomat described such gatherings as positive, as they help pave the way for further trade relations between the two countries.

Minister of Industries, Mines and Trade Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh said Iran-France trade should exceed €5 billion a year.

Nematzadeh made the statement on Tuesday at a conference underway in Tehran on Iran-France economic cooperation and investment.

Thanks to Iran’s huge oil, gas and mineral resources, markets and geopolitical situation, as well as the output of France’s high-tech companies, the two countries can become a major trade partner.

The minister hoped that a new chapter would open for expansion of Iran-France economic cooperation.

Nematzadeh invited the 140-member French delegation to visit Iranian industrial units to become acquainted with the country’s capabilities.

A 140-member delegation from France arrived in Tehran on Monday to hold talks with Iranian economic officials.

Many European companies have expressed readiness to resume activities in Iran since November 24 when the Geneva deal was reached between Iran and the Western governments.

The Geneva deal, which went into effect on January 20 and lasts for six months, aims to achieve a comprehensive agreement on Iran’s nuclear program and lift all Western sanctions against Iran.