Visit of European Economic Delegations to Iran

Radio Farda - 'Le Temps', the most prestigious French-language newspaper in Switzerland, emphasizes the repeated visits of foreign economic delegations to the capital of Iran in its Thursday issue. Are these visits for investment purposes or merely for gathering information and assessing conditions? Fereydoun Khavand responds: The article in 'Le Temps' is mainly related to the upcoming visit of a Swiss economic delegation to Iran, composed of representatives from about 20 Swiss firms, led by Mrs. Livia Löw, the former Swiss ambassador to the Islamic Republic, who will be in Tehran from the 6th to the 9th of Ordibehesht (April-May). This is the first official visit of a Swiss delegation to Iran in the past 10 years. In fact, this delegation's trip to Tehran is a continuation of a process that began in late 2013, right after the signing of the interim agreement between Iran and the 'P5+1' in Geneva. We know that the French sent a 100-member economic delegation to Tehran last February, followed by the Germans and Italians. Next week, a delegation from the Czech Republic will also visit Iran. Over the past year and a few months, all the economic delegations that have traveled to Tehran have been well aware that as long as a comprehensive final agreement on Iran's nuclear issue and the lifting of sanctions are not signed, neither investment in this country will be possible nor the signing of significant commercial contracts. Therefore, the current visits are mainly aimed at groundwork, establishing contacts, and, in short, preparing for the period after the potential signing of a final agreement. How do foreign economic delegations better understand the Iranian market and its opportunities? Usually, the embassies and economic advisors of these countries in Tehran play an important role in introducing the Iranian market, its opportunities, and obstacles to the economic entities of their respective countries. On the other hand, advisory offices regarding Iran have recently opened in several European countries, often in collaboration with Iranians, to guide foreign companies and establish contacts for them within the country. The publication of brochures and specialized books about the Iranian market has also increased, including a book titled 'Iran Market: Investor's Toolkit' which will be published next week in Paris, along with studies of various economic sectors in Iran, from petrochemicals to automotive, pharmaceuticals, and agriculture. How optimistic are Europeans about the opening of the Iranian market? Regarding the signing of a final agreement on Iran's nuclear issue, optimism significantly outweighs pessimism, even after Ayatollah Khamenei's remarks on Thursday, which 'Le Figaro' described as ambiguous. In this context, why did the Lausanne agreement not strengthen Iran's national currency? 'Dollar resistance' after the Lausanne statement. Farshad Momeni: No significant change has occurred in the economy. Elections for the Chamber of Commerce in a country with a weak private sector. Changing the playing field of 'proxy actors'; war against the people in the streets of Iran. The first paragraph; the responsibility of opponents and the possibility of radicalizing Iranian society. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iran crisis. One week after a complete blackout, the time for reconnecting the internet in Iran is still 'uncertain'. The shadow of war over Tehran; 'Trump is looking for decisive military options against Iran.' Trump says if the Islamic Republic attempts to assassinate him, it will be 'wiped off the face of the earth.' A senior U.S. official: The Trump administration is closely monitoring the case of Reza Valizadeh. The death of the last Mossad representative in Tehran amid the Iran crisis.