ORGANIZER: 3RD BHB EMISSARY EUROPE- IRAN FORUM

International Press Coverage

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IN CONSULTATION WITH LEAD SPONSOR Press Coverag e for t he 3rd Europe -Iran Forum The Dolder Grand Hotel Zurich, Switzerland 3-4 May 2016

DATE OUTLET HEADLINE AUTHOR 03/05/2016 Bloomberg Europe's Banks Are Staying Out of Iran Fabio Benedetti Valentini & Ladane Nasseri 11/05/2016 Bloomberg Iran's Pasargad Group Weighs $330 Million IPO of Energy Unit Ladane Nasseri 11/05/2016 Bloomberg Iran Seeks Partners for $10 Billion Expansion in Aluminum Ladane Nasseri & Hashem Kalantari 04/05/2016 Reuters Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 05/05/2016 Le Temps L’Iran, un marché à fort potentiel pour qui en connaît les règles Yves Hulmann 04/05/2016 Handelszeitung Irans grösste Privatbank will in die Schweiz kommen MARC BÜRGI 03/05/2016 Al Monitor Why big European banks are reluctant to return to Iran Barbara Slavin 08/05/2016 NZZ am Sonntag Exporteure hoffen auf Auftrage aus Iran Franziska Pfister 03/05/2016 Tagblatt Klarer Aufruf an die Iran-Politik Europas SDA 04/05/2016 BZ Basel Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 Blick Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 05/05/2016 SRF Swiss Television Die Rollen der Frauen im Iran Swiss Television 03/05/2016 ATS Agence Telegraphique SuisseDirigeants européens appelés à se mobiliser SDA 04/05/2016 SRF Swiss Television In Teheran: Der Paradeplatz von morgen? Swiss Television 04/05/2016 SRF Schwierige Geschäfte: Der Iran lockt – Amerika bockt Eveline Kubler 04/05/2016 Neue Zuger Zeitung USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 03/05/2016 Blick Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran-Politik SDA 06/05/2016 Voice of America U.S. Sanctions Still Hinder European Business with Iran Barbara Slavin 04/05/2016 20 Minuten US-Lobby kämpft in der Schweiz gegen Iran-Deal Kaspar Wolfensberger 09/05/2016 bne IntelliNews Europe-Iran Forum in Zurich dampens some of the initial hype Daniel Khazeni-Rad 04/05/2016 Financial Tribune Crunch Time in Zurich Daniel Khazeni-Rad 08/05/2016 Financial Tribune Iranian Mining Opportunities Enumerated Daniel Khazeni-Rad 04/05/2016 Financial Tribune Swiss Pencil Maker Makes Iran Comeback Daniel Khazeni-Rad 08/05/2016 IMIDRO.gov.ir $40Billion Foreign Investment Opportunities in Iran’s Mining Sector IMIDRO 07/05/2016 IMIDRO.gov.ir World’s Major Mining Companies Ready to Invest in Iran Mining Sector IMIDRO 04/05/2016 Khorasan News 3rd Europe-Iran Forum and Business With Iran After JCPOA Mohammad Eslami 03/05/2016 Khorasan News Europe Iran Forums Attenders Are Optimistic About The Future Mohammad Eslami 05/05/2016 Khorasan News The Last Meeting of Iran-Europe Economic Forum Mohammad Eslami 12/05/2016 LobeLog Where Iran Sanctions Relief Falls Short Esfandyar Batmanghelidj 05/05/2016 Sanction Law Is this the USG’s New Messaging on Iran Sanctions? Tyler Cullis 04/05/2016 Tasmin News US Says Cannot Order Banks to Take ‘Risky’ Actions, Trade with Iran Tasmin 03/05/2016 Tehran Times 3rd Europe-Iran Forum Opens in Zurich 08/05/2016 Tehran Times Iran's mining sector offers $40 billion for foreign investment 05/05/2016 The Jerusalem Post Group Slams Europe-Iran economic confab in Zurich Herb Keinon 09/05/2016 Manoto TV Coverage of the Europe-Iran Forum Sheida Hooshmandi

Bloom berg Syn dic ation 03/05/2016 American Journal of TransportationEurope's banks haunted by U.S. fines forgo Iran deals Bloomberg 03/05/2016 Business Times Europe's banks haunted by U.S. fines forgo Iran deals Bloomberg 04/05/2016 Washington Post Europe's Banks Haunted by U.S. Fines Forgo Iran Deals Bloomberg 08/05/2016 Chicago Tribune Europe's banks haunted by U.S. fines forgo Iran deals Bloomberg 04/05/2016 The Daily Star (Lebanon) Europe's banks stay away from Iran deals Bloomberg 11/05/2016 SWI Swissinfo.ch Iran's Pasargad Group Weighs $330 Million IPO of Energy Unit Bloomberg 07/05/2016 Gulf Times On Iran, US fines haunt Europe banks Bloomberg

Reuters Syndic ation 04/05/2016 100.7 FM (Terre Haute, IN) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 96.3 Jack FM (Nashville, TN) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 B937 Sheboygan's Country Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Business Insider Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 CNBC Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Daily Mail Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Gulf Times Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 KDAL610 (Duluth, MN) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 KFGO (Fargo-Moorhead) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 KTWB (Sioux Falls, SD) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 London South East Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 New York Times Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Q106FM (Lansing, MI) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Reuters Africa Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Reuters India Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Street Insider Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 The Fiscal Times Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Thomson Reuters Foundation Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 WHBL (Sheboygan, WI) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 WHTC (Holland, MI) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 WKZO (Kalamazoo, MI) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 WTAQ (Green Bay, WI) Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 04/05/2016 Yahoo Finance Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller 06/05/2016 Manilla Bulletin Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors John Miller Press Coverag e for t he 3rd Europe -Iran Forum The Dolder Grand Hotel Zurich, Switzerland 3-4 May 2016

SDA Syndic ation 04/05/2016 1815.ch Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Aargauer Zeitung Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 FM1 Today Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Hofner Volksblatt Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 March Anzeiger Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Oltner Tagblatt Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Press24.ch Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Rhein Zeitung Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 SWI Swissinfo.ch Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Sarganserlander Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Watson Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran-Konferenz SDA 03/05/2016 Der Landbote Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran-Politik SDA 03/05/2016 Grenchner Tagblatt Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran-Politik SDA 03/05/2016 Limmattaler Zeitung Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran-Politik SDA 03/05/2016 News.ch Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran-Politik SDA 03/05/2016 SWI Swissinfo.ch Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran-Politik SDA 03/05/2016 Tiroler Tageszeitung Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran-Politik SDA 03/05/2016 Neue Luzerner Zeitung Klarer Aufruf an die Iran-Politik Europas SDA 03/05/2016 Neue Zuger Zeitung Klarer Aufruf an die Iran-Politik Europas SDA 03/05/2016 Finanz und Wirtschaft fuw.ch Tagesüberblick Wirtschaft SDA 03/05/2016 Finanzen.ch Tagesüberblick Wirtschaft SDA 04/05/2016 Appenzeller Zeitung USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Bluewin USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Neue Luzerner Zeitung USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Tagblatt USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Thurgauer Zeitung USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Toggenburger Tagblatt USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Werdenberger & ObertoggenburgerUSA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Wiler Zeitung USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 04/05/2016 Bote USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA 05/05/2016 Liechtensteiner Vaterland USA verteidigen sich auf Iran-Konferenz SDA

AZ Medien Syndic ation 04/05/2016 Aargauer Zeitung Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 Badener Tagblatt Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 BZ Basellandschaftliche Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 Grenchner Tagblatt Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 Limmattaler Zeitung Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 Oltner Tagblatt Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 Solothurner Zeitung Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin 04/05/2016 Zofinger Tagblatt Wie man im Iran ins Geschäft kommt Tommaso Manzin

IMIDRO Syndic ation 02/05/2016 ME-Metals Karbasian to Explain Revitalization of Iranian Industry in Zurich IMIDRO 07/05/2016 ME-Metals World's Major Mining Companies Ready to Invest in Iran Mining Sector IMIDRO

IranTalent Syn dic ation 10/05/2016 PR Web Europe’s business leaders meet to discuss Iran entry strategy IranTalent 10/05/2016 Broadway World Europe's business leaders meet to discuss Iran entry strategy IranTalent 10/05/2016 Newson6 (Oklahoma) Europe's business leaders meet to discuss Iran entry strategy IranTalent 10/05/2016 Virtual-Strategy.com Europe's business leaders meet to discuss Iran entry strategy IranTalent 10/05/2016 Zawya Europe's business leaders meet to discuss Iran entry strategy IranTalent

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Politics | Wed May 4, 2016 11:28am EDT Related: ELECTION 2016, POLITICS Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors

ZURICH | BY JOHN MILLER

PHOTOS OF THE DAY

A man looks at exchange rates seen through the window of a currency exchange shop in Tehran's business district, Iran, January 17, 2016. REUTERS/RAHEB HOMAVANDI/TIMA

Companies should not blame U.S. sanctions for stopping them investing in Iran, a State Department official told businesses on Wednesday, saying there were many other risks putting off would-be investors. WILDFIRE RAGES IN FORT MCMURRAY The United States and Europe lifted sanctions in January under a deal with Tehran to limit its nuclear program, but U.S. sanctions unrelated to the nuclear issue remain, banning dollar transactions with Iran and making it harder for companies to access finance for business in the Islamic Republic.

Jarrett Blanc, the State Department's deputy lead coordinator of last year's nuclear deal, said companies should tell their Iranian partners that it was not just those remaining sanctions that were holding up business deals.

"Many times, in the past 100 days, we have found international firms who have said to Iran: Fire rages unchecked in the heart of Canada's oil sands region as authorities evacuate 80,000 people. 'Only U.S. sanctions are preventing you from doing business'," Blanc told 400 people at a Full Coverage » forum for European business with Iran in Zurich.

"But when we dig a little deeper, and seek to answer questions about precisely your BUILD YOUR PERFECT CANDIDATE concerns, it turns out that your business decisions, not surprisingly, in fact take into account Download Reuters' White House Run from the App Store concerns well beyond sanctions." Iran has signed billions of dollars of deals with European firms since the nuclear sanctions were lifted, including a $27 billion aircraft order from Airbus. But deals requiring investment inside Iran have moved slowly.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the most powerful figure in Iran, has blamed the delays squarely on the United States.

"The U.S. Treasury ... acts in such a way that big corporations, big institutions and big banks do not dare to come and deal with Iran," Khamenei said in March.

Iranian businesses at the Zurich forum said European banks were staying away due to

U.S. pressure, and said that could put European companies at a disadvantage to their TRENDING ON REUTERS Asian competitors. Exclusive: Top reason Americans will vote "They are going to lose opportunities soon," Majid Ghassemi, president of Bank Pasargad, for Trump: 'To stop Clinton' - poll 1 told Reuters. "It is against the benefits of European investors, this kind of barrier that the Exclusive: Big data breaches found at

Americans have put up against the banking system in Europe." major email services - expert | 2

Parviz Akbaroff, international business manager at infrastructure consulting company Rah Canadian wildfire edges south, leaves Shahr, said European firms had "become subservient to U.S. interests". thousands stranded | 3

While the United States does not prohibit foreign banks from doing business with Iran, FBI likely to interview Clinton soon in emails probe: CNN 4 many are wary after facing multi-billion dollar fines during the sanctions era.

Oil falls as investors cash in on month- Nonetheless, lawyers and consultants have consistently warned would-be investors of a long gains 5 wide range of other risks including complex regulations, unclear dispute mechanisms, labor issues, and corruption.

Blanc said investors who acknowledge these concerns privately should communicate them Sponsored Financial Content (?) to their Iranian partners. "Don't take the easy way out, by just saying 'U.S. sanctions, U.S. sanctions, U.S. sanctions'," he said. Sterling soars as traders doubt Brexit will ever happen Trade.Forex

(Additional reporting by Joshua Franklin; Editing by Sam Wilkin and Robin Pomeroy) Are the tiger economies of the East about to roar again in 2016? JP Morgan

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How France sank Japan's $40 billion Australian submarine dream | 29 Apr Parviz Aghili, CEO de la Middle East Bank, s’exprimait lors du forum Europe-Iran mercredi à Zurich. COMMERCE © Keystone / ENNIO LEANZA L’Iran, un marché à fort potentiel pour qui en connaît les règles

Durant deux jours, experts et hommes d’affaires ont échangé leurs vues lors du forum Europe-Iran à Zurich. La levée des sanctions créée des opportunités pour la consommation. En revanche, la situation doit encore être clarifiée pour les banques

3 minutes de lecture

 Eco Monde

Yves Hulmann Publié jeudi 5 mai 2016 à 21:10.

Avec la levée graduelle des sanctions internationales contre l’Iran, le pays qui compte environ 80 millions d’habitants fait l’objet de toutes les convoitises sur le plan commercial. La troisième édition du forum Europe-Iran, qui s’est tenue mardi et mercredi à Zurich, a permis à

ENCORE 4 ARTICLES GRATUITS À LIRE × quelque 400 participants d’évaluer les chances et les risques qui se présentent sur ce marché, alors que les délégations d’aaires helvétiques à Téhéran se sont multipliées ces derniers mois.

Lire aussi: Iran: une visite ocielle fructueuse pour les sociétés suisses

La manifestation, organisée en partenariat avec diverses sociétés iraniennes ainsi qu’avec le soutien de la Chambre de commerce Iran- Suisse et Switzerland Global Enterprise, se dénit comme une «plate- forme innovante pour la diplomatie d’aaire» selon ses organisateurs. L’amélioration des conditions-cadres de l’économie iranienne a été soulignée par plusieurs orateurs. Parviz Aghili, directeur de la Middle East Bank, a rappelé notamment que le taux d’ination, situé à plus de 30% entre 2012 et 2014, a chuté à moins de 10% récemment.

Lire aussi: Les exportations iraniennes de pétrole ont dépassé les 2 millions de barils par jour

Dans l’ère «post-sanctions», la production de pétrole grimpera de 2,5 à 4 millions de barils par jour, tandis que les exportations de brut dépassent déjà le seuil des 2 millions, a ajouté de son côté Ali Ashraf Ahami, le président de la Bank of Industry and Mine.

Les banques internationales restent en retrait Reste la question des sanctions. La politique n’est en eet jamais très loin lorsqu’il s’agit de commerce avec l’Iran. En ouverture du forum, Jeroen van der Veer, le président du conseil d’administration de Philips et de la banque néerlandaise ING, a appelé les dirigeants européens à clarier la situation au sujet des sanctions américaines.

Les banques internationales sanctionnées par les Etats-Unis – BNP Paribas a dû payer une amende de 9 milliards de dollars en 2014, Credit Suisse plus d’un demi-milliard en 2009 – hésiteront à deux fois avant de nancer des activités en lien avec l’Iran. De l’avis de Parviz Aghili, directeur de la Middle East Bank, les sanctions américaines «primaires», celles décidées par le Congrès, vont certainement persister. En revanche, les banques étrangères n’ont rien à craindre de la part de la loi iranienne pour leurs activités, a-t-il insisté.

Risques légaux et de réputation Pour les sociétés qui veulent établir une activité commerciale en Iran ou créer une coentreprise, un examen détaillé des risques légaux, nanciers ou de réputation est indispensable, jugent les représentants de la société de conseil juridique Dentons. Il faut tenir compte des spécicités de la loi iranienne. En Iran, une société étrangère n’a pas le droit de posséder du terrain. Un groupe qui veut créer une coentreprise industrielle a ainsi intérêt à déterminer d’emblée ce qui se passera en cas de liquidation de celle-ci.

Boom de la consommation Outre ses richesses en ressources naturelles, l’Iran présente aussi un important potentiel pour le secteur de la consommation. Les investisseurs potentiels doivent toutefois être conscients de la fragmentation élevée de ce marché, a averti Bora Karamustafa, directeur des produits surgelés chez Solico Group. S’y ajoute le contrôle des prix de certains produits par le gouvernement.

Lire aussi: «L’Iran reste l’un des derniers territoires vierges pour les groupes occidentaux»

Sharif Nezam-Ma, président de la Chambre de commerce Iran- Suisse et directeur de la liale de Bühler à Téhéran, a rappelé qu’il n’est pas facile d’importer certains produits en Iran et qu’il vaut mieux miser sur une production locale. Autre écueil: l’importance du marché noir. «Des entreprises qui s’installent sont souvent surprises d’être confrontées à la concurrence de leurs propres produits déjà écoulés sur place», explique-t-il. Globalement, il estime toutefois que l’Iran est un marché plus facile d’accès pour des entreprises étrangères que la Russie ou le Nigeria par exemple. De plus, «en Iran, il y a une demande illimitée pour des produits de qualité», vante-t-il.

À propos de l'auteur

Yves Hulmann @YvesHulmann Journaliste Économie & Finance à Zurich

Articles en relation

FISCALITÉ DES ENTREPRISES Le procès Luxleaks s’est transformé en un plaidoyer en faveur des lanceurs d’alerte Deux anciens de PwC et un journaliste de France 2 sont accusés de vol, violation du secret et divulgation de secret d’aaires devant la justice au Luxembourg. Réquisitoires et plaidoiries mardi Irans grösste Privatbank will in die Schweiz kommen Ansage Europäische Konzerne drängen in den Iran, aber ein Sektor ziert sich: Die Grossbanken. Der CEO von Irans grösster Privatbank Pasargad nimmt Stellung – und spricht über seine Pläne in der Schweiz.

VON MARC BÜRGI 04.05.2016

Pasargad-Filiale in Teheran: Mit 4,5 Millionen Kunden die grösste Privatbank des Landes. Wikimedia/CC

Seit Mitte Januar sind die meisten Sanktionen gegen den Iran Geschichte: Mit der Atom-Vereinbarung steht das Land mit seinen rund 80 Millionen Einwohnern wieder für die europäische Wirtschaft offen. Viele Konzerne wollen die Chance nutzen, auch Schweizer Unternehmen wie der Autozulieferer Autoneum planen eine Expansion in die Islamische Republik.

Ein Sektor hält sich aber auffallend zurück: Banken. Zwar haben erste Schweizer Institute auf die neue Geschäftsmöglichkeit reagiert, beispielsweise arbeitet die Genfer Bank Reyl mit der iranischen Finanzgruppe Turquoise zusammen. Grosse Institute wie die Credit Suisse haben aber bislang kein Interesse am Iran bekundet. Angst vor Uncle Sam

Nicht nur Schweizer Grossbanken sind vorsichtig: Auch andere europäische Branchengrössen sind noch nicht im Iran tätig. Die Zurückhaltung liegt wohl vor allem an den USA. Denn die Amerikaner haben ihre Sanktionen gegen den Iran weniger stark gelockert als die Europäer. Weil Grossbanken eng mit der US- Wirtschaft verflochten sind, laufen sie somit Gefahr, gegen amerikanische Regeln zu verstossen. Ein solcher Regelbruch kann schmerzhaft sein – dies hat auch die Credit Suisse erfahren: 2009 zahlte sie in den USA eine Busse über 536 Millionen Dollar wegen Geschäfte im Iran und Syrien.

Handelszeitung.ch hat mit Majid Ghassemi gesprochen, Gründer und CEO von Irans grösster Privatbank Pasargad. Ansehen erwarb sich der unter anderem in Southampton ausgebildete Banker als Gouverneur der iranischen Zentralbank. Im Interview erklärt Ghassemi, was er vom US-amerikanischen Druck auf europäische Bank hält – und welche Pläne sein Institut in der Schweiz hat.

Viele europäische Banken schrecken aus Angst vor Problemen mit den USA davor zurück, sich im Iran zu engagieren. Was sagen Sie dazu? Majid Ghassemi*: Der Druck besteht nur für die Grossbanken, einige mittelgrosse Institute haben begonnen, mit dem Iran zusammenzuarbeiten. Der Druck ist nicht fair, und die USA sollten damit aufhören. Es widerspricht der Vereinbarung zur Lösung des Atomstreits: Alle Parteien verpflichten sich darin, das Abkommen in gutem Glauben umzusetzen. Die Institute riskieren, ihre Chancen im Iran zu verpassen. Beispielsweise will der Iran über die nächsten fünf Jahre 180 Milliarden Dollar im Ölsektor investieren.

Banken aus anderen Ländern sind bereits vor Ort? Viele Länder wollen investieren, beispielsweise China, Indien oder Südkorea. Grosse Banken wie die UBS und Credit Suisse sollten sich bewusst sein, dass sie rasch handeln müssen, wenn sie eine Chance haben wollen.

Ihre Bank will im Ausland expandieren. Haben Sie Pläne für die Schweiz? Die Schweiz ist eines der Länder, auf die wir uns fokussieren. Wir sind im Gespräch mit den Behörden, um eine Filiale zu eröffnen oder eine Tochtergesellschaft zu gründen.

Wollen Sie in der Schweiz auch Investoren suchen? Sicher, wenn das Interesse da ist. Wir finanzieren viele Grossprojekte, unter anderem in der Chemie- und Ölindustrie oder im Gesundheitswesen. Für ein Projekt im Ölsektor suchen wir beispielsweise zurzeit Investitionen über 12 Milliarden Dollar.

Wann wollen Sie ihre Aktivitäten in der Schweiz starten? Wir sind bereit. Es hängt davon ab, wann wir von den Schweizer Behörden grünes Licht bekommen. Ich gehe davon aus, dass wir alle Voraussetzungen erfüllen.

Gibt es bereits Verhandlungen mit Schweizer Investoren? Bisher nicht. Wir hoffen, dass dies bald möglich ist.

Das Gespräch wurde am Rande des Europe-Iran-Forums in Zürich geführt.

*Majid Ghassemi ist Gründer und CEO der Bank Pasargad. Von 1986 bis 1989 war er Gouverneur der iranischen Zentralbank. Pasargad ist die grösse Privatbank Irans und verfügt über 4,5 Millionen Kunden.

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Schweizer Firmen werden aber von der Furcht gebremst, gegen US-Sanktionen zu verstossen AP Schweizer Uhrenmarken / Iran in Zahlen führen bereits eigene Läden in Iran. Die Industrie will Bruttoinlandprodukt HID SALEMI In %, zum Vorjahr folgen, Rechtsunsicherheit VA 1 bremst jedoch viele Firmen. 1 4,3 4,0 Franziska Pfister 3,7 0 Im Festsaal des Hotel Dolder sind ,2

nur wenige Stühle frei. «Nächstes –1 Mal mieten wir das Weisse Haus», scherzt ein persischer Referent am Europa-Iran-Forum, das diese

Woche in Zürich stattfand. Das –6,6 Interesse an der Islamischen Re- 201222013 2014 015 2016 2017 publik hat einen neuen Höhe- 1 Prognose punkt erreicht, seit im Januar der Hohe Teuerung Grossteil der Sanktionen aufge- Inflationsrate in % hoben wurde. Und die Perser ge- niessen es, umworben zu werden. 34,7 15,6 12,0 8,91 Die Schweiz gehörte bis 2007 20132014 20152016 zu den zehn grössten Handels- 1 Prognose partnern. Auf internationalen Druck verliessen die meisten Schweizer Exporte nach Iran Industriekonzerne kurz danach In Mio. Fr. das Land, die Grossbanken wi- 2013 ckelten keine Zahlungen mehr ab. 332,3 Nun bereiten viele Firmen die 2014 367,5 Rückkehr vor. «Es herrscht Gold- 2015 gräberstimmung», sagt Suhail el 446,6 Obeid, Berater beim Exportförde- 2016 440,4 1 rer Switzerland Global Enterprise. Am schnellsten waren die Kon- 1 Hochrechnung auf Basis der Zahlen zum 1. Quartal 2016 sumgüterhersteller. In Teheraner Einkaufszentren liegen Versace- Quelle: IWF, Eidg. Zollverwaltung Kleider, Computer von Apple und Eine Autofahrerin passiert in Teheran ein Werbeplakat für Bulgari-Uhren, die in der Schweiz hergestellt werden. (18. Juli 2015) Sportschuhe von Nike aus. Zahl- reiche Bijouterien verkaufen Schweizer Uhren. Rado und Tag US-Sanktionen «Gespräche mit iranischen tigsten Märkte, und auch im Bür- Heuer führen in Teheran eine ei- Kunden laufen», schreibt eine gerkriegsland Jemen sind ihre gene Boutique, Longines und Sprecherin lediglich. Seit 2010 Medikamente erhältlich. «Wir Raymond Weil sind neben der hatte der Konzern keine Aufträge kommen auch mit schwierigen Hauptstadt auch in Isfahan oder Drei kleine Schweizer Banken wagen sich vor mehr angenommen. Bedingungen klar», sagt Spreche- Shiraz zu kaufen. Iran braucht fast alles. Infolge rin Ulrike Seminati. Perser mögen Schweizer Uh- Die USA haben seit 2009 Bussen sektor tut sich einiges. Bis Mitte Firouz möchte eine Brücke zwi- der Abschottung ist die Infra- Acino will zügig eine Verkaufs- ren, jahrelang zählten diese zu von 14 Mrd. $ gegen Unterneh- Jahr möchte die Reyl Group, schen beiden Ländern schlagen, struktur in der Wasser- und mannschaft in Iran aufbauen und den wichtigsten Exportgütern. men verhängt, die Handel mit welche über eine Schweizer Bank- wie er im Februar «L’Agéfi» Stromversorgung veraltet. Die sucht einen Distributor. «Wenn Überhaupt nennen am Forum in Iran trieben. In der Schweiz lizenz verfügt, in einem Fonds sagte. Sein Fonds soll aus der Regierung will mehrere hundert wir erst einmal angefangen ha- Zürich viele die Schweiz als musste Credit Suisse 536 Mio Fr. 200 Mio. $ aufnehmen und in Schweiz verwaltet werden und Milliarden Dollar in den Ölsektor ben, wird das Geschäft rasch Wunschpartner. «Ihr seid neu- zahlen. Seit Januar dürfen privat gehaltene iranische Unter- in private iranische Firmen inves- investieren, hat Hunderte Flug- wachsen», erwartet Seminati. Ers- tral», hört man oft. Dass Bern seit ausländische Firmen Iran wieder nehmen aus der Gastronomie, tieren. zeuge bestellt und muss dafür te Umsätze seien 2017 realistisch, der Revolution 1980 die diploma- beliefern. Noch in Kraft sind Pharma- und Konsumgüterindus- Die meisten Initiativen Flugplätze ein- oder herrichten. da bisher kaum internationale tischen Interessen der USA ver- dagegen jene US-Sanktionen, trie investieren. Als Partner haben kommen aus Genf, wo schweiz- Noch zögern aber viele Expor- Banken Zahlungen aus Iran abwi- trat, prägte das Bild. die für Amerikaner und US-Fir- sich die Genfer den iranischen weit die meisten Exil-Iraner teure. «Iran bleibt ein Minenfeld. ckelten. Eine Hürde, vor der die Nun rüstet sich die Industrie men gelten – und auch für Finanzdienstleister Turquoise an leben. So will Python & Peter, Die Unsicherheit unter den Fir- meisten Unternehmen stehen. für eine zügige Rückkehr. ABB hat Schweizer Firmen mit US-Ab- die Seite geholt, der nach eigenen eine der führenden Anwalts- men ist riesig», sagt Berater el Schweizer Exporteure müssten im Januar begonnen, Geschäfts- legern riskant sind. Untersagt ist Angaben führend im Land ist. kanzleien auf dem Platz Genf Obeid. Ein Teil der US-Sanktionen sich bewusst sein, dass sie Ge- möglichkeiten in Iran zu prüfen, zudem, Transaktionen über die Reyls Fondsmanager Pasha Bakh- mit 85 Anwälten, einen Ableger bleibt in Kraft, was heikel ist für schäfte nicht auf dem Silber- wie ein Sprecher sagt. Vor einigen USA abzuwickeln, und 200 tiar rät Kunden, sich auf einen in Teheran gründen. Einer der Unternehmen mit Tochtergesell- tablett serviert erhielten, sagt el Jahren beschäftigte der Energie- Iraner stehen auf einer schwar- Anlagehorizont von fünf bis zehn Partner hat iranische Wurzeln. schaften in den USA. Es herrsche Obeid. Notgedrungen haben die technikkonzern dort noch 100 zen Liste der Amerikaner. Jahre einzustellen, wie er in einem Das neue Büro soll multinatio- eine Mischung aus Halbwissen Iraner eigene Industrien hochge- Mitarbeiter. Auch Clariant prüft Kaum verwunderlich, nahmen Interview mit der «Tribune de nale Unternehmen bei ihren und Angst vor Verstössen. Am Fo- zogen. Der Wettbewerb sei hart. die Aufnahme von Geschäftsbe- bisher die wenigsten europäi- Genève» sagte. Geschäften in Iran beraten. rum wird klar, dass es für Firmen Irans Regierung peilt 2016 ein ziehungen. «Wir sehen durchaus schen Banken Geschäftsbezie- Einen solchen Fonds plant auch Dort ansässige Firmen bewerten oft schwer ist, Auskünfte von den Wirtschaftswachstum von 8% an, Potenzial», sagt ein Sprecher. Der hungen zu Iran auf. In der Azur Wealth. Der Genfer Ver- laut Kennern die Schweiz als US-Behörden zu erhalten. Vertreter staatlicher Firmen rech- Chemiekonzern lieferte früher Schweiz sind es drei: Banque mögensverwalter wurde 2012 neutrales Land und wählen sie Die auf Schwellenländer aus- neten in Zürich indes eher mit Kunststoffgranulat in die Region. Heritage, Hinduja Bank (Schweiz) durch einen Exil-Iraner, der in deshalb häufig als Gerichtsstand gerichtete Zürcher Pharmafirma 4%. Immerhin ist es das Ziel der Einen Schritt weiter ist Rieter, und Banque de Commerce et de der Schweiz aufgewachsen ist, bei Allianzen mit ausländischen Acino schreckt das nicht. Im Irak Perser, zur Drehscheibe des Han- auch wenn sich der Textilmaschi- Placements. Doch im Finanz- gegründet und geleitet. Morteza Partnern. (frp.) gehört sie zu den Marktführern, dels zwischen Europa und der nenhersteller zugeknöpft gibt. Saudiarabien ist einer der wich- Golfregion aufzusteigen.

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Günstige Markenparfum bei OTTO'S Besonders aussichtsreich für ausländische Unternehmen in der Islamischen Republik ist unter In Ihrer OTTO'S Filiale oder im Webshop anderem der iranische Energiesektor mit Erdöl und Gas. (Archiv) (Bild: Keystone/AP/EBRAHIM bestellen! NOROOZI)

Gleich zu Beginn des Europa-Iran-Forums in Zürich ist ein deutlicher ANZEIGE: Auftrag an die europäischen Politiker ergangen. Mehrere Redner, darunter der Verwaltungsratspräsident von Philips sowie der ING- Gruppe, Jeroen van der Veer, forderten die Politik zum Handeln auf.

Hintergrund dieses Aufrufs ist die Tatsache, dass für viele europäische Firmen in Iran lukrative Aufträge winken, allerdings derzeit immer noch infolge der bestehenden Primärsanktionen der USA konkrete Geschäfte praktisch unmöglich sind.

Schwierig sind Vertragsabschlüsse mit Iran vor allem deshalb, weil sobald ein beliebiger Bezug zu Amerikanern hergestellt werden kann, sofort amerikanische Sanktionen verletzt würden und dies drakonische Strafen nach sich zöge. Davor haben besonders Banken grosse Angst, weil einige unter ihnen bereits Milliarden­Bussgelder wegen der Verletzung von Iran­Sanktionen bezahlt haben.

Würde dieser Hemmschuh beseitigt, könnten Unternehmen sich auf die OSTJOB.CH STELLENSUCHE eigentlichen Geschäftsrisiken mit Iran konzentrieren, so der Tenor zahlreicher Redner am Dienstag auf dem 3. Europa­Iran­Forum in Zürich.

Unternehmer beklagen unklare Situation Unternehmer beklagen unklare Situation

Van der Veer, angesprochen auf die Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten für Irangeschäfte im Bergbau­Sektor, sagte, dass sich europäische Banken an das Sanktionsregime hielten und deshalb sehr zurückhaltend mit der Wiederaufnahme solcher Aktivitäten mit der Islamischen Republik seien. "Ohne eine politische Lösung ist wahrscheinlich kein Fortschritt in dieser Frage zu erreichen", erklärte er. Turm Handels AG Sachbearbeiterin Verkaufsinnendienst 100 %

Sogar bei den Menschenrechten verwies der prominente Redner einige Advactum AG Assistent(in) des Anwesende in die Schranken, denn für die Situation bei den Menschenrechten Pensionskassenexperten (60 - 100%) seien primär auch nicht die Unternehmen, sondern die Politiker verantwortlich.

Firmen könnten nur dafür sorgen, dass innerhalb ihrer Organisationen keine SJB.Kempter.Fitze AG Zeichner/in EFZ Ingenieurhochbau Verletzungen der Menschenrechte erfolgten, sagte van der Veer. Schlauri + Holenstein AG Bauführer Auch George Kleinfeld von der Anwaltskanzlei Clifford­Chance hob in seiner Hochbau +(Tiefbau) Rede hervor, dass die europäischen Politiker endlich eine Lösung mit den Amerikanern bezüglich der Sanktionen herbeiführen müssten, damit Kantonsspital St.Gallen Assistenzärztin/-arzt Unternehmen wieder Geschäfte mit Iran ohne Angst vor Bussen durchgeführt könnten. Kleinfeld ging sogar soweit zu sagen, dass die Europäer sich von den Amerikanern endlich emanzipieren sollten. OSTSCHWEIZER TRAUERPORTAL

Wie gespalten die Ansichten bezüglich der Wiederaufnahmen von Iran­ Geschäften sind, zeigte sich bereits im Vorfeld der Konferenz. Zahlreiche europäische Zeitungen, darunter auch die "Neue Zürcher Zeitung" veröffentlichten eine Anzeige einer Initiative gegen die erneute Einbindung Irans in die Weltwirtschaft. Die Initiative, genannt UANI, warnte Konzerne in ganzseitigen Anzeigen explizit vor zahlreichen Risiken in der Zusammenarbeit mit der Islamischen Republik.

Viel Potenzial

Allerdings ist die Wiederaufnahme der Geschäftsaktivitäten mit Iran TAGBLATT.CH / LESERBILDER ausgesprochen lukrativ. So öffnet sich nämlich ein Markt mit rund 80 Millionen Einwohnern, der in praktisch allen Geschäftsbereichen grosse Chancen für ausländische Unternehmen bietet. Besonders aussichtsreich sind laut Pratibha Thaker von der Economist Intelligence Unit der iranische Erdöl­ und Erdgassektor, der Consumer­Bereich, die Infrastruktur, die Chemie­ und Pharmaindustrie sowie die Energie­ und Wasserversorgung.

Doch damit europäische Firmen all diese Segmente nunmehr im grossen Stil angehen zu können, braucht es zunächst ein Handeln ihrer Politiker. Denn ohne eine weitere Lockerung des amerikanischen Sanktionsregimes gegenüber Iran sind normale Iran­Geschäfte infolge fehlender Finanzdienstleistungen auch für LESERBILDER: DIE NEUSTEN Europäer kaum möglich. (SDA) SCHNAPPSCHÜSSE

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ALPHACENTAURI (03. MAI 2016, 15:57) Wanderparadies vor Ihrer Haustüre und DAS ERINNERT AN SOWAS WIE "SIPPENHAFT" bietet Ihnen Naturerlebnisse zu jeder Jahreszeit. Hiesige Firmen müssen "dä Grind anehebe" für Amerika. Mit solchen erpresserischen Ländern wie Iran, sollte man aber keine Geschäfte machen.

Beitrag kommentieren STERNE DAS HOROSKOP VON MONICA

Europa­Iran­Forum Amerikaner relativieren Kritik auf Zürcher Iran­ Konferenz

ZÜRICH - ZH - Die Vertreter der USA haben auf dem 3. Europa-Iran-Forum am Mittwoch in Zürich die Kritik an einer unklaren Sanktionspolitik zurückgewiesen. Am Dienstag hatte es von Seiten der Wirtschaft eine gehörige Schelte wegen der US- Blockadehaltung gegenüber Iran gegeben.

Jarrett Blanc vom US Department of State, dem Aussenministerium der Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika, sagte vor mehreren Hundert Anwesenden in Zürich, dass auch die USA nach der Implementierung des Atomabkommens mit der Islamischen Republik Iran vereinbarungsgemäss zahlreiche Sanktionen gelockert hat. Nicht-Amerikaner dürften daher ohne Weiteres ihre Geschäfte mit Iran wiederaufnehmen, ohne gegen die geltenden Regeln zu verstossen.

Blanc wiederholte zudem auf der Konferenz am Mittwoch eine Aussage von US- Aussenminister John Kerry von vor wenigen Tagen, wonach europäische Firmen durchaus ihre Aktivitäten mit Iran hochfahren könnten, ohne amerikanische Sanktionen zu verletzten. Obendrein hätten amerikanische Behörden klar kommuniziert, unter welchen Bedingungen - selbst für amerikanische Institutionen - beispielsweise auch Finanzdienstleistungen wie Bankgarantien mit Iran-Bezug erbracht werden dürften.

Während seiner Ansprache erklärte Blanc, dass viele Unternehmen das Sanktionsregime der USA nicht selten als Vorwand benutzten, um sich aus Verhandlungen über iranische Geschäfte zurückzuziehen. Die tatsächlichen Gründe für den Abbruch von Gesprächen, so die Erfahrungen des US-Aussenministeriums bei Prüfungen von Einzelfällen, erfolgten aber meist aus anderen Abwägungen und lägen somit in völlig anderen Bereichen als im US- Sanktionsregime.

Der US-Beamte sagte gegenüber der Nachrichtenagentur sda, dass eine Detailprüfung von Iran-Geschäften beispielsweise wegen ungenügender Transparenz der iranischen Geschäftspartner oder infolge ungenügender Gewinnaussichten abgebrochen würden. Bei den Verhandlungspartnern rede man sich dann aber oftmals mit den noch bestehenden US- Sanktionen gegenüber Iran heraus, um die Gespräche im Sande verlaufen zu lassen. Die Compliance bei Iran-Engagements sei mittlerweile nicht viel anders als in vergleichbaren Märkten.

Der Präsident der Bank Pasargad, eines der grössten Geldhäuser Irans, Majid Ghassemi, bestätigt der sda am Rande der Konferenz, dass es ein solches Verhalten tatsächlich gibt. Die Bank Pasargad habe beispielsweise in Paris und Berlin bereits Gespräche über die Wiederaufnahme des Zahlungsverkehrs mit europäischen Finanzinstitutionen geführt und dabei nannten die Gesprächspartner stets die noch bestehenden amerikanischen Primärsanktionen als Hauptgründe für das Nichtvoranschreiten der Verhandlungen.

Glaubt man nunmehr den Aussagen des US-Aussenministeriums vom Mittwoch in Zürich, können Europäer durchaus mit Iran konkrete Geschäfte aufnehmen - das gilt auch für Finanzdienstleistungen.

Allerdings gab es auf der Konferenz auch nicht wenige Stimmen, die meinten, dass vor dem Abschluss der Wahlen in den USA und einem klarer werdenden Umgang der Amerikaner mit der Islamischen Republik Iran sich europäische Unternehmen in der Iran-Frage kaum bewegen werden. Viele möchten nämlich keinen Zick-Zack-Kurs fahren. (SDA)

Publiziert am 04.05.2016 | Aktualisiert am 04.05.2016

Am Europa Iran Forum in Zürich sorgte auch unter den Gästen für Gesprächsstoff. dass sich Europäer bei Geschäften mit dem Iran zurückhalten, solange in den USA nicht klar ist, wer künftiger Präsident wird und damit die Linie vorgibt. (KEYSTONE/Ennio Leanza) KEYSTONE/ENNIO LEANZA

TOP­VIDEOS u u u «Eiskalt erwischt!» an der Apnoe­Weltrekord auf den Kurdinnen im Kampf gegen Eishockey­WM Bahamas Terroristen Mit wem unsere Brite taucht 122 Meter Vor diesen Frauen Hockey­Stars gerne tief ­ ohne Luft! zittert der IS! einen Tag tauschen würden... u u u Betrunken Massencrash Alle Spiele, alle Tore in der So nahe kommen gebaut Super League Buckelwale Menschen Hier besticht ein Vaduz­Spieler trifft aus selten mexikanisches Rich Kid 45 Metern! Achtung, Monster aus die Polizei der Tiefe! http://www.srf.ch/play/tv/tagesschau/video/die-rollen-der-frauen-im-iran? Dirigeants européens appelés à se mobiliser 472 words 3 May 2016 16:01 ATS - Agence Télégraphique Suisse ATS French © SDA/ATS Home page address: Le troisième forum Iran-Europe, qui s'est tenu mardi à Zurich, a mis les dirigeants européens sous pression. Plusieurs orateurs, dont le président du conseil d'administration de Philips et du groupe ING Jeroen van der Veer, ont invité le monde politique à agir.

Pour beaucoup de sociétés européennes, l'Iran est un pays synonyme de commandes lucratives. Mais, en raison des sanctions américaines, réaliser des affaires avec ce pays est pratiquement impossible. Les banques sont particulièrement frileuses, car certaines d'entre elles se sont déjà acquittées d'amendes chiffrées en milliards pour violation des sanctions à l'égard de l'Iran.

Situation à clarifier

Si cet écueil était surmonté, les entreprises pourraient se concentrer sur les risques commerciaux propres à ce pays, souligne Jeroen van der Veer.

Interrogé sur les opportunités d'affaires en Iran dans le secteur de l'industrie minière, il a expliqué que les établissements financiers européens s'en tenaient au régime des sanctions. Il juge par conséquent avec réserve la reprise de telles activités dans la république islamique. "Sans solution politique, aucun progrès ne pourra probablement être réalisé sur cette thématique", poursuit-il.

Quant à la question des droits de l'homme, l'orateur a aussi renvoyé la balle au monde politique. Selon lui, les entreprises ne sont pas les premières responsables de la situation, au contraire des hommes politiques. "Les firmes ne peuvent que s'assurer qu'aucune violation en la matière n'existe au sein de leur organisation", martèle-t-il.

S'émanciper des Américains

George Kleinfeld, de l'étude d'avocat Clifford-Chance, a aussi souligné dans son discours que l'Europe devait trouver une solution avec les Etats-Unis au sujet des sanctions, de telle sorte que les sociétés puissent à nouveau faire des affaires avec Téhéran sans crainte de recevoir une amende. Pour lui, les Européens doivent même s'émanciper des Américains.

Les divisions concernant la reprise des affaires avec Téhéran ont été mises en lumière en vue de cette conférence. La presse, dont la Neue Zürcher Zeitung, a publié un avis qui s'élevait contre l'intégration de ce pays dans l'économie mondiale. Intitulée UANI, cette annonce a mis en garde les entreprises, sur une page entière de journaux, contre les risques que représente un tel rattachement.

Potentiel à revendre

La reprise des activités commerciales avec la république islamique reste toutefois lucrative, selon plusieurs économistes. L'Iran compte environ 80 millions d'habitants et offre de grandes opportunités pour les sociétés étrangères dans pratiquement tous les secteurs.

Selon Pratibha Thaker, de l'unité d'Intelligence Economique (Economist Intelligence Unit), les domaines du pétrole, du gaz naturel, des services aux consommateurs, des infrastructures, de l'industrie chimique et pharmaceutique représentent un fort potentiel. Sans oublier les secteurs de l'approvisionnement énergétique et en eau.

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TTIP: Wettbewerbsnachteil für Ein Angebot, das niemand ablehnen kann? Mitnichten. REUTERS die Schweizer Wirtschaft?

Die Schweizer Banken hätten zweifellos die Expertise, um Import- und Export- Projekte im Iran zu finanzieren. Dennoch sagen die allermeisten Schweizer Banken beim Thema Iran noch immer: «Nein, Danke.» Das beobachtet die Export- Förderorganisation «Switzerland Global Enterprise», die Schweizer Unternehmen berät.

Der Grund sind noch immer Sanktionen. Zwar hat die Iran ist wieder interessant für Schweiz im Januar im Einklang mit der EU und den USA Wirtschaftsleute rund um den Sanktionen gegen den Iran aufgehoben. Doch die USA Globus. Gerade heute haben zentrale Sanktionen beibehalten. So dürfen beispielsweise findet in Zürich weiterhin keine so genannte US-Personen in Iran- ein Europa-Iran-Forum statt – Geschäfte involviert sein. und das ist nur eines von (US)-Persona non grata vielen solcher Treffen, bei denen Wirtschaftsleute die Wickelt also eine Schweizer Bank den Zahlungsverkehr Fühler nach neuen Geschäften zwischen einem Schweizer Industrieunternehmen und im Iran ausstrecken. seinem iranischen Kunden ab, muss die Bank sicherstellen, dass nie auch nur eine US-Person damit zu tun hat. Es muss geklärt sein, dass kein involvierter Bankmitarbeiter zufälligerweise Doppelbürger ist, in den USA gelebt hat, oder sonst eine Verbindung zu den USA hat und somit aus Sicht der US-Justiz in die Kategorie «US-Person» fällt. Das sicherzustellen sei gerade für grössere Banken kaum möglich, betonen verschiedene Branchenexperten im Gespräch. Sie lassen deshalb lieber gleich ganz die Finger von Iran- Geschäften. Das gilt übrigens nicht nur für Schweizer Banken, die europäische Konkurrenz hält es ähnlich. Audio

Geschäften mit Iran – Exorbitante Bussen Schweizer Banken fürchten Das ist kein Wunder, denn viele sind gebrannte US-Strafen Kinder. So musste beispielsweise die französische BNP Paribas 2014 rund 9 2:47 min, aus Rendez-vous vom 04.05.2016 Milliarden Dollar bezahlen, weil sie US- Sanktionen gegen den Iran verletzt hatte. Oder die Credit Suisse musste 2009 in einem Vergleich mit US-Behörden fast 530 Millionen Dollar Busse bezahlen, aus demselben Grund.

Die Schweizer Banken machen also einen Bogen um den Mehr zum Thema Iran, aus Angst vor weiteren Bussen. Und sie fürchten sich vor weiteren Strafmassnahmen der Amerikaner. Angst vor US-Justiz lähmt Etwa davor, dass sie bei einem Vergehen vom US-Dollar- Lust auf Geschäfte mit dem Markt abgeschnitten werden könnten. Iran

Bund in Kontakt mit US-Behörden Schützenhilfe bekommen die Banken aber vom Bund. Er führt intensive Gespräche mit den USA. So versucht das Staatssekretariat für Wirtschaft Seco im Gespräch mit den Amerikanern Rechtssicherheit für Schweizer Firmen und Schweizer Banken zu bekommen. Es möchte klären, was genau erlaubt und was ist verboten ist.

Audio Doch wie rasch die Banken so tatsächlich ermuntert werden können, Schweizer Im Tagesgespräch: Reinhard Unternehmen bei ihren Iran-Projekten zu Baumgarten – Hoffnung in unterstützen, ist offen. Noch sind den Iran allermeisten Banken offenbar die 25 min, aus Rendez-vous vom Rechtsrisiken zu gross und zu unberechenbar. 04.05.2016

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Alle Kommentare Beliebteste James Klausner (Harder11), Interlaken Mittwoch, 04.05.2016, 20:58

Die Anzeigen für den Boykott waren ja gross genug gestern in der 'NZZ'. Die ganze Seite 4 (!) wurde dafür gemietet, ein Komitee namens UANI (United Against Nuclear Iran), zieht mit allem vom Leder was gerade so passt und warnt vor Investitionen im Iran. Wenn man dann nachforscht, heisst diese "Organisation" dann 'American Coalition Against Nuclear Iran' und ist nichts anderes als eine Pappfigur von potenten Politik- und Wirtschaftskapitänen mit intensiver Vernetzung ins Kapitol.

4

Rolf Künzi (Unbestimmt), Winterthur Mittwoch, 04.05.2016, 17:03

Womit wir wieder bei der Leitwährung und der Erpressbarkeit anderer Länder sind. Währungsreform!

8

Hans Haller (panasawan), 212/4 B.Panasawan Mittwoch, 04.05.2016, 15:38

Ziemlich durchschaubar worum es eigentlich wirklich geht. Diese Globalisierung hat eben auch Kehrseiten, das Recht des Stärkeren gilt, füg dich und begnügt dich.

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Am Europa Iran Forum in Zürich sorgte auch unter den Gästen für Gesprächsstoꭉ. dass sich Europäer bei Geschäften mit dem Iran zurückhalten, solange in den USA nicht klar ist, wer künftiger Präsident wird und damit die Linie vorgibt. (KEYSTONE/Ennio Leanza) (KEYSTONE/ENNIO LEANZA)

EUROPA-IRAN-FORUM Die Vertreter der USA haben auf dem 3. Europa- Iran-Forum am Mittwoch in Zürich die Kritik an einer unklaren Sanktionspolitik zurückgewiesen.⋅ Am Dienstag hatte es von Seiten der Wirtschaft eine gehörige Schelte wegen der US-Blockadehaltung gegenüber Iran gegeben. Exklusiv für Abonnenten: Jarrett Blanc vom US Department of State, dem Aussenministerium der Wellness und Erholung in Vereinigten Staaten von Amerika, sagte vor mehreren Hundert Anwesenden in Zürich, dass auch die USA nach der Implementierung des Atomabkommens mit Grindelwald, inklusive der Islamischen Republik Iran vereinbarungsgemäss zahlreiche Sanktionen Aus춶ug aufs Jungfraujoch. gelockert hat. Nicht­Amerikaner dürften daher ohne Weiteres ihre Geschäfte mit Iran wiederaufnehmen, ohne gegen die geltenden Regeln zu verstossen.

Blanc wiederholte zudem auf der Konferenz am Mittwoch eine Aussage von US­ Aussenminister John Kerry von vor wenigen Tagen, wonach europäische Firmen durchaus ihre Aktivitäten mit Iran hochfahren könnten, ohne amerikanische Abonnenten werben Abonnenten Sanktionen zu verletzten. Obendrein hätten amerikanische Behörden klar kommuniziert, unter welchen Bedingungen ­ selbst für amerikanische Vermitteln Sie ein neues Print- oder E-Paper-Abo, und Institutionen ­ beispielsweise auch Finanzdienstleistungen wie Bankgarantien kassieren Sie eine attraktive Prämie! mit Iran­Bezug erbracht werden dürften.

Nur Ausreden

Während seiner Ansprache erklärte Blanc, dass viele Unternehmen das Sanktionsregime der USA nicht selten als Vorwand benutzten, um sich aus Verhandlungen über iranische Geschäfte zurückzuziehen. Die tatsächlichen Gründe für den Abbruch von Gesprächen, so die Erfahrungen des US­ Aussenministeriums bei Prüfungen von Einzelfällen, erfolgten aber meist aus anderen Abwägungen und lägen somit in völlig anderen Bereichen als im US­ Newsletter zur Region? Hier bestellen Sanktionsregime.

Der US­Beamte sagte gegenüber der Nachrichtenagentur sda, dass eine Detailprüfung von Iran­Geschäften beispielsweise wegen ungenügender Transparenz der iranischen Geschäftspartner oder infolge ungenügender Gewinnaussichten abgebrochen würden. Bei den Verhandlungspartnern rede man sich dann aber oftmals mit den noch bestehenden US­Sanktionen gegenüber Iran heraus, um die Gespräche im Sande verlaufen zu lassen. Die Compliance bei Iran­Engagements sei mittlerweile nicht viel anders als in vergleichbaren Märkten.

Zurückhaltung existiert vielerorts

Der Präsident der Bank Pasargad, eines der grössten Geldhäuser Irans, Majid Wettbewerbe: Spielen und gewinnen Ghassemi, bestätigt der sda am Rande der Konferenz, dass es ein solches Die aktuellen Verlosungen, Verhalten tatsächlich gibt. Die Bank Pasargad habe beispielsweise in Paris und Berlin bereits Gespräche über die Wiederaufnahme des Zahlungsverkehrs mit Wettbewerbe und europäischen Finanzinstitutionen geführt und dabei nannten die Kreuzworträtsel auf einen Gesprächspartner stets die noch bestehenden amerikanischen Primärsanktionen Blick. als Hauptgründe für das Nichtvoranschreiten der Verhandlungen.

Glaubt man nunmehr den Aussagen des US­Aussenministeriums vom Mittwoch in Zürich, können Europäer durchaus mit Iran konkrete Geschäfte aufnehmen ­ das gilt auch für Finanzdienstleistungen. Online: Werden Sie Leserreporter!

Allerdings gab es auf der Konferenz auch nicht wenige Stimmen, die meinten, Gestalten Sie dass vor dem Abschluss der Wahlen in den USA und einem klarer werdenden Luzernerzeitung.ch aktiv mit Umgang der Amerikaner mit der Islamischen Republik Iran sich europäische und werden Sie Leser- Unternehmen in der Iran­Frage kaum bewegen werden. Viele möchten nämlich Reporter. So erreicht Ihr keinen Zick­Zack­Kurs fahren. (sda) News-Bild auf dem schnellsten Weg die Redaktion! Hinweis an die Redaktion

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Leserbilder: Die neusten Schnappschüsse Europa­Iran Handlungsbedarf für Europa in der Iran­Politik

ZÜRICH - ZH - Gleich zu Beginn des Europa-Iran-Forums in Zürich ist ein deutlicher Auftrag an die europäischen Politiker ergangen. Mehrere Redner, darunter der Verwaltungsratspräsident von Philips sowie der ING-Gruppe, Jeroen van der Veer, forderten die Politik zum Handeln auf.

Hintergrund dieses Aufrufs ist die Tatsache, dass für viele europäische Firmen in Iran lukrative Aufträge winken, allerdings derzeit immer noch infolge der bestehenden Primärsanktionen der USA konkrete Geschäfte praktisch unmöglich sind.

Schwierig sind Vertragsabschlüsse mit Iran vor allem deshalb, weil sobald ein beliebiger Bezug zu Amerikanern hergestellt werden kann, sofort amerikanische Sanktionen verletzt würden und dies drakonische Strafen nach sich zöge. Davor haben besonders Banken grosse Angst, weil einige unter ihnen bereits Milliarden-Bussgelder wegen der Verletzung von Iran- Sanktionen bezahlt haben.

Würde dieser Hemmschuh beseitigt, könnten Unternehmen sich auf die eigentlichen Geschäftsrisiken mit Iran konzentrieren, so der Tenor zahlreicher Redner am Dienstag auf dem 3. Europa-Iran-Forum in Zürich.

Van der Veer, angesprochen auf die Finanzierungsmöglichkeiten für Irangeschäfte im Bergbau- Sektor, sagte, dass sich europäische Banken an das Sanktionsregime hielten und deshalb sehr zurückhaltend mit der Wiederaufnahme solcher Aktivitäten mit der Islamischen Republik seien. «Ohne eine politische Lösung ist wahrscheinlich kein Fortschritt in dieser Frage zu erreichen», erklärte er.

Sogar bei den Menschenrechten verwies der prominente Redner einige Anwesende in die Schranken, denn für die Situation bei den Menschenrechten seien primär auch nicht die Unternehmen, sondern die Politiker verantwortlich. Firmen könnten nur dafür sorgen, dass innerhalb ihrer Organisationen keine Verletzungen der Menschenrechte erfolgten, sagte van der Veer.

Auch George Kleinfeld von der Anwaltskanzlei Clifford-Chance hob in seiner Rede hervor, dass die europäischen Politiker endlich eine Lösung mit den Amerikanern bezüglich der Sanktionen herbeiführen müssten, damit Unternehmen wieder Geschäfte mit Iran ohne Angst vor Bussen durchgeführt könnten. Kleinfeld ging sogar soweit zu sagen, dass die Europäer sich von den Amerikanern endlich emanzipieren sollten.

Wie gespalten die Ansichten bezüglich der Wiederaufnahmen von Iran-Geschäften sind, zeigte sich bereits im Vorfeld der Konferenz. Zahlreiche europäische Zeitungen, darunter auch die «Neue Zürcher Zeitung» veröffentlichten eine Anzeige einer Initiative gegen die erneute Einbindung Irans in die Weltwirtschaft. Die Initiative, genannt UANI, warnte Konzerne in ganzseitigen Anzeigen explizit vor zahlreichen Risiken in der Zusammenarbeit mit der Islamischen Republik. Allerdings ist die Wiederaufnahme der Geschäftsaktivitäten mit Iran ausgesprochen lukrativ. So öffnet sich nämlich ein Markt mit rund 80 Millionen Einwohnern, der in praktisch allen Geschäftsbereichen grosse Chancen für ausländische Unternehmen bietet. Besonders aussichtsreich sind laut Pratibha Thaker von der Economist Intelligence Unit der iranische Erdöl- und Erdgassektor, der Consumer-Bereich, die Infrastruktur, die Chemie- und Pharmaindustrie sowie die Energie- und Wasserversorgung.

Doch damit europäische Firmen all diese Segmente nunmehr im grossen Stil angehen zu können, braucht es zunächst ein Handeln ihrer Politiker. Denn ohne eine weitere Lockerung des amerikanischen Sanktionsregimes gegenüber Iran sind normale Iran-Geschäfte infolge fehlender Finanzdienstleistungen auch für Europäer kaum möglich. (SDA)

Publiziert am 03.05.2016 | Aktualisiert am 03.05.2016

Besonders aussichtsreich für ausländische Unternehmen in der Islamischen Republik ist unter anderem der iranische Energiesektor mit Erdöl und Gas. (Archiv) KEYSTONE/AP/EBRAHIM NOROOZI

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U.S. Sanctions Still Hinder European Business with Iran

Posted May 6th, 2016

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By Barbara Slavin

ZURICH – Frustration was palpable at a conference this week in Switzerland on European business with Iran.

The continued hangover of United States sanctions that prevent Iranian access to the U.S. financial system — and bankers’ fear of punitive new fines — are inhibiting the mega deals that many Iranians and Europeans anticipated would follow implementation of a landmark nuclear deal.

Amir Paivar Follow @amirpaivar

#EuropeIranForum kicks off in Zurich with 450 delegates from #Iran and EU private sectors meeting a 3rd time. 8:47 AM - 3 May 2016

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Forced during years of sanctions to buy goods and services mostly from China and India, which were allowed to continue to purchase limited amounts of Iranian oil, Iran wants to convert billions of dollars worth of local currencies piled up in Asian banks to euros to buy Airbus planes and high quality industrial goods from companies such as Siemens.

But because such conversions typically use the dollar as a reference point, it has been extremely difficult for Iran to execute these kinds of transactions.

“Unfortunately you cannot do that directly [convert rupees into euros],” lawyer George Kleinfeld, of the Washington law firm Clifford Chance, said in an interview on the sidelines of the conference. “There is only one currency in the world that is so liquid that all other currencies are convertible into it and that’s the U.S. dollar.”

The Barack Obama administration says it is trying to help Iran find workarounds that will permit it easier access to its nominally unfrozen funds in Asian banks. U.S. officials have also told big European banks that it is no longer prohibited for them to return to the Iranian market, but according to Kleinfeld, there is still “a primal fear” of Iran among bankers that is the product of what he called “years of hyperactive enforcement” of U.S. sanctions.

While so-called secondary sanctions inhibiting non-U.S. trade with Iran have been lifted, Iran remains the target of primary U.S. sanctions because it is on a State Department list of terrorist-sponsoring states, mostly for support of anti-Israeli groups. Iran also faces continued U.S. and European sanctions for its record on human rights and U.S. sanctions because of ballistic missile tests.

Doug Jacobson Follow @tradelawnews

RT Don't blame our sanctions, [@statedept] tells nervous Iran investors reut.rs/1Oegnje via @Reuters #EuropeIranForum #JCPOA 5:18 PM - 4 May 2016

Don't blame our sanctions, U.S. tells nervous Iran investors Companies should not blame U.S. sanctions for stopping them investing in Iran, a State Department official told businesses on reuters.comWednesday, saying there were many other risks putting off would-

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Jarrett Blanc, the deputy lead coordinator for implementation of what is known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), told the Zurich conference that the United States would “live up to both the letter and the spirit of its commitments.” But he acknowledged that the U.S. government cannot order banks to undertake transactions that they view as potentially risky.

Some Iranians think their problems are part of a U.S. conspiracy to deprive them of what they were promised for accepting stringent curbs on their nuclear program.

At the conference, numerous Iranian business people came up to this reporter and complained about a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling clearing the way for the seizure of $2 billion in Iranian assets in the United States to compensate relatives of U.S. victims of alleged Iran-backed terrorism in the Middle East.

While the case has nothing to do with the JCPOA, the timing of the judgment added to the perception in Iran that Washington is trying to prevent Iran from receiving economic benefits because of U.S. anger at other Iranian policies.

Iran is making strides despite the banking problems and says its oil exports have nearly recovered to pre-sanctions’ levels. The International Monetary Fund expects Iran’s economy to grow by four-to-five percent this year after years of recession and stagnation. But the focus at the Zurich conference was on ways to bolster Iran’s private sector, which is seen as a force for economic and potentially political reform in the Islamic Republic.

Many of the Iranians at the conference – which this reporter attended as a moderator of a panel with European ambassadors to Iran and a participant on a panel on Iran and political risk – are members of the private sector. Many are Western-educated and are longing for a more normal relationship between Iran, Europe and the United States.

“What we are asking for is just trade finance which is completely transparent and doesn’t create any kind of risk for the banks,” Mostafa Behesti-Rouy, director of international affairs for Bank Pasargad, Iran’s largest private bank, said in an interview. Behesti-Rouy, a graduate of Portland State University, said that it was in the interest of both Iran and the international community to strengthen Iran’s private sector. UANI Follow @UANI

Yes. And #EuropeIranForum should be transparent & present risks of doing biz in #Iran unitedagainstnucleariran.com/node/8482 twitter.com/smeslami/statu… 1:40 PM - 3 May 2016 2 1

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, one of the organizers of the conference, acknowledged the challenges Iran faces to recover from sanctions and re-enter the global economy.

“None of us is under any illusions that Iran faces many obstacles on the long road to a more just society,” he told the meeting. “Today the Iranian people are deciding what they want their country to be… We believe that it is a mistake to ignore or discount members of the business community as potential civil society leaders. Business leaders can be a force for good in Iran.”

Mehdi Karbasian, chairman of IMIDRO, an Iranian industrial conglomerate, injected a note of realism and patience to the debate.

“A sick person takes time to be really healthy,” he said of the Iranian economy. “Give him soup, not chelo kebab [an Iranian national dish of grilled meat]. Sanctions hurt us so much — and Europe and the United States. In the near future, we can have a good steak.”

Barbara Slavin is Acting Director of the Future of Iran Initiative at the Atlantic Council in Washington.

Tags: 3rd Europe-Iran Forum, Iran, Iran nucelar deal, Iran sanctions, JCPOA Tweet Posted in Barbara Slavin Recommend 2 0

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CONFERENCE CALL: Europe-Iran Forum in Zurich dampens some of the initial hype

The Europe-Iran forum in Zurich broke some taboos in the latest talks between Iranians and foreign investors.

By bne IntelliNews May 9, 2016

Following the partial lifting of sanctions on Iran in January, international business has been abuzz with the prospect of one of the “last big emerging markets” opening up, but US sanctions and intransigence continue to dampen the mood. The latest Europe-Iran Forum, held in Zurich on May 3-4, pitched itself as the last stop before entering Iran proper, and with dozens of business delegations looking to enter Tehran, it could be the final pit stop to understanding the future. And it has to be said there was a lot of interest among delegates gathered in the Swiss financial capital about the potential of the Iranian market and the billions in profits to be made. But as the deflating feeling from last year’s event in Geneva shows, the picture still remains mixed on how to actually trade with Iran or even set up representative offices there. In its third year, the Europe-Iran Forum aims to dispel some of the lingering half-truths and confusion that still perturb Europe’s business delegations about the Islamic Republic. Jarrett Blanc, the US State Department’s man on the ground in Zurich during the nuclear talks, ultimately blamed European banks for their hesitation in moving to Iran. ”We want banks to do trade with Iran, but they have their own systematic methods [which take time],” he said. He added that everybody pointing fingers at the State Department wasn’t helping matters, as it is actually the European companies themselves who are hesitant about entering Iran.

Meanwhile, Iranian business groups at the event are still exuberant about the potential for attracting foreigners and their investment to the country. Mehdi Karbasian, CEO of IMIDRO, Iran’s largest government-owned industrial enterprise, insisted that Iran is a positive country to invest in. ”Foreigners can own 100% of Iranian companies,” he noted, adding that, “our government is making every effort to enable foreign direct investment”. Since January, thousands of business delegations from over 20 countries have come to Iran, the latest of which were the British, who lagged their European compatriots, with the arrival of the new British-Iranian Chamber of Commerce Director and Special Iran Attache for the current Conservative administration. Norman Lamont offered British Export Finance along with a raft of other goodies to Iranian companies in his latest visit in April, but Iranians were not so impressed with the terms of the deals. Several other financial groups for the Central European and Nordic countries have offered deals to the Iranians, some of which were stuck on the sidelines of the Zurich event. Accordingly, one large Swedish apparel company was believed to be soon entering the Iranian market, according to people at the conference. Another visit organized by the Middle East Society is also due to arrive in Iran in the coming weeks, with over 50 companies represented in the fast- moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector. Iran’s government recently received over $30bn of frozen assets by the US, all of which has now been used to pay off existing debts. In addition, several countries have signed Memoranda of Understanding that is in excess of another $30bn, according to reports from several Iranian news outlets. But the problem of foreigners sending money to Iran remains. The BBC’s Amir Paivar questioned Blanc on whether he knew of any companies that have managed to send money to Iran. He was met with a guarded response by the US official. Due diligence remains difficult As companies are beginning to discover, doing business in Iran remains a difficult endeavour. Pat Thaker of the Economist Intelligence Unit noted that, “Due diligence is not a one-time-only exercise... [that with countries like Iran] you have to do repeated due diligence.” Overall, the mood for the third forum with foreigners and Iranians in the room was more nuaunced in 2016; unlike previous forums, investors are starting to understand that Iran is not just another catch-up story like Central and Eastern Europe.

Wednesday May 4, 2016

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 ­ 02:00 Daniel Khazeni in Zurich 3rd Europe­Iran Forum Crunch Time in Zurich Domestic Economy

The third edition of the Europe-Iran Forum is taking place in the Swiss city of Zurich through May 3-4. Like previous iterations of the event, the top-flight of Iran's economy and economic heavy hitters from Europe and beyond are in attendance. "Announced on January 16, 2016, Implementation Day marks the beginning of the 'post-sanctions' era for Iran, opening the door to one of the world's largest and most promising economies … The 3rd Europe-Iran Forum is designed to help you implement your ideal strategy and achieve robust returns in Iran," reads a welcome note published at the event's website. This year's event will also have the added significance of US government officials, specifically those of the Office of Foreign Assets Control, arriving in force. The organizers have several topics on the agenda, including an introduction to issues currently afflicting business entry to Iran, like European banks' continuing hesitancy to deal with Iranian clients. Financial hurdles facing trade and the post-sanctions environment and dissuading those wanting to enter the Iranian market were the main topics of discussion addressed by a set of speakers on the first day of the forum. Jeroen van der Veer, a senior executive at Philips Electronics said “You must have clear standards to operate when dealing with Iranians,” adding that Iranian technicians are very well trained. The Dutch executive added with regard to financing projects inside Iran that people need to double check with American regulations and do their due diligence. Pratibha Thaker, of the Economist Intelligence Unit, said, “Although Iran is opening to the western economies, it worked with Russia and China during sanctions,” noting that the country will not forget these partners and they will be prioritized. During the question-answer session, Thaker was asked about the long-term view of pharmaceutical investment in the Islamic Republic. She responded by saying there is huge potential for this sector, stressing that it was one of the safer bets in the market currently. She added that “the banking sector is a mess and the role of the state [there] is very large.” Thaker noted that the right regulations are starting to come on stream, with e-commerce being one of the leading areas driving the finance to support the consumer market. She specifically said startups were one of the key areas that showed promising growth.

> Legal Issues and Sanctions

George Kleinfeld of Clifford Chance said OFAC regulations are often understood by local American agencies in an aggressive manner. “In 2010, we had an increasing raft of secondary sanctions by American entities, which then gave authority to OFAC to blacklist whoever they wished.” Kleinfeld pointed out that Iran is extremely frustrated by the actions of some American agencies and their non-compliance with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the official name of the nuclear deal, noting that this will breed bad blood on the Islamic Republic’s side and that European agencies would ultimately have to stand up to the Americans. “In my view, I don’t see Iran capitulating with regard to secondary sanctions continuing post-implementation day. Ultimately, America cannot continue this policy, as European leaders like [German Chancellor] Angela Merkel will not abide by US Congress transgressions," he said. The last of the lawyers' panel was addressed by Patrick Murphy who elaborated on checking prior to entering the Iranian market. In his view, consumer products like packaged goods were one of the best areas to focus on initially, especially by focusing on the role of distributors in the wider scheme of delivering the products. “There are inevitably risks and you have got to manage those risks going forward,” he concluded. Among the Iranian officials expected to address the Zurich forum are Mehdi Karbasian, head of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization; Majid Qasemi, CEO of Bank Pasargad; Mohammad Asoudeh, vice chairman and managing director of Iranian Reinsurance Company; Ali Ashraf Afkhami, chairman of Bank of Industry and Mine; Sharif Nezam-Mafi, chairman of Iran-Swiss Chamber of Commerce; and Bahram Sobhani, CEO and chairman of Mobarakeh Steel Company. The first and second editions of Europe-Iran Forum were held in London and Geneva in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The second edition has been referred to as "the largest Iran-focused business conference ever held in Europe".

Short Url : http://financialtribune.com/articles/domestic­economy/40816/crunch­time­zurich Sunday May 8, 2016

Sunday, May 8, 2016 ­ 02:00 Addressing 3rd Europe­Iran Forum in Zurich Iranian Mining Opportunities Enumerated Economy Business And Markets

Iran has an extensive plan to develop its mines and mineral industries, the head of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization announced. Addressing managers of large European and global banks, insurance, mining and investment firms during the Third Europe-Iran Forum in Zurich, Mehdi Karbasian also highlighted the capabilities and investment potential of Iran’s lucrative mining sector. “We seek to cooperate with the world’s first-tier companies in achieving our goals,” he added. The third iteration of the Europe-Iran Forum held last week was attended by top Iranian officials and economic players, as well as representatives of large-cap global companies. The lifting of economic sanctions imposed on Iran over its nuclear program as part of the July 14 accord reached with six major world powers has opened the path for the country to rejuvenate its industries and return to the international scene. Oil and petrochemical sectors are the first in line, aiming to reinvigorate production capacities and reach pre-sanctions export levels of 2.2 million barrels per day in one or two months. The country’s mining sector, however, if developed, could effectively outpace the oil sector in terms of revenues, especially considering the current low oil prices. Iran is home to over 68 minerals, with more than 37 billion tons of proven and 57 billion tons of potential reserves, including large deposits of coal, iron ore, copper, lead, zinc, chromium, uranium and gold. The country holds the world’s largest zinc, ninth largest copper, 12th largest iron ore and 10th largest uranium reserves, according to the United States Geological Survey. Overall, Iran possesses more than 7% of global mineral reserves. According to Karbasian, who is also deputy minister of industries, mining and trade, the goals set for the mining sector in the 20-Year National Vision Plan (2005-25) and the sixth five-year national development plan (2016-21) offer significant cooperation opportunities for Iran and Europe. He noted that the envisioned plans require $40 billion in foreign investment to develop steel, aluminum, copper, gold and zinc production sectors and accelerate mineral exploration. “Iran has one of the lowest production costs for mining and mineral industries, due to its inexpensive and abundant energy resources, low royalty rates and cheap workforce as well as access to international waters,” he said. The Vision Plan envisages annual production of 55 million tons of steel, 800,000 tons of copper, 1.5 million tons of aluminum, 300,000 tons of zinc and 5 tons of gold by the end of 2025. Propping up production of high-value added minerals such as titanium, petroleum coke and rare earth elements are also on the agenda. The Iranian official pointed to the government’s aim to reach an annual economic growth rate of 8% by the end of the sixth plan and said the mining sector can play a key role in achieving this goal. The revitalization of the construction, auto and shipbuilding sectors, and the subsequent increase in demand for steel and other mineral products will help the economy move away from overreliance on oil revenues and provide ample opportunities for foreign investors.

Business Talks on Forum’s Sidelines Karbasian also met with a host of foreign companies’ representatives on the sidelines of the conference. Jeremy Weir, managing director of Trafigura Beheer BV, met with the IMIDRO chief and expressed his company’s readiness to invest in Iran’s aluminum industry. Trafigura is a Dutch multinational commodity trading company founded in 1993 and trading in base metals and energy. It is the world’s third largest private oil and metals trader after Vitol and Glencore. The giant commodity trader was among the top five suppliers of gasoline and a regular supplier of alumina to Iran before the tightening of sanctions. Karbasian also held talks with Gerard Terneyre, deputy director of Vallourec, during which the two sides agreed on undertaking a joint project for the construction of a seamless steel pipe production plant. Seamless pipes are used extensively in the oil and gas industries, and the country is currently an importer of this key industrial product, according to IMIDRO. Based in Paris, Vallourec S.A. is a global provider of solutions to energy industries and the industrial sector. Karbasian also met with the representatives of the Brussels-based KBC Bank. According to IMIDRO, the bank agreed to provide Iran’s mining development projects with finance worth €50 million. Short Url : http://financialtribune.com/articles/economy­business­and­markets/40986/iranian­mining­opportunities­enumerated Wednesday May 4, 2016

Wednesday, May 4, 2016 ­ 02:00 Sw iss Pencil Maker Makes Iran Comeback Economy Business And Markets

Caran d’Ache SA, a century-old Swiss maker of writing instruments, supplied Iranian schoolchildren with pencils before the 1979 Islamic Revolution. Now, it’s betting on a partnership with a pistachio exporter to make a comeback in Iran. Used by artists, including Pablo Picasso, the maker of colored pencils and pastels reopened for business in Iran last year, Bloomberg reported. “The potential there is absolutely fantastic; there are many young people getting an education and in need of school supplies,” Chairman Carole Hubscher said in an interview in Caran d’Ache’s headquarters in Thonex, a commune in the Canton of Geneva that borders the French town of Annemasse. “Our brand was known, as many parents had Caran d’Ache pencils as kids. It’s a huge country and one of the most important in the Middle East for us.” Caran d’Ache is among the European companies seeking to reap the benefits of the nuclear deal signed with world powers last year and which went into force in January. While the landmark agreement led to the lifting of some economic sanctions, including reconnecting Iranian banks to the SWIFT system for international financial transactions, some restrictions remain in place. This is forcing companies seeking to work with Iran to navigate a complex set of regulations. Opening Doors The Swiss company’s pens, pencils and colors are sold in stores of Iran’s Daya Group together with a range of other products, such as Swiss watches. Alliances with large local groups such as Daya, which operates in businesses ranging from consumer goods to healthcare and is also an exporter of pistachio nuts, are opening up doors for companies such as Caran d’Ache. Many of the 400 delegates meeting in Zurich for the Europe-Iran Forum on Tuesday and Wednesday will also be eager to profit from the nuclear agreement. While potential deals with multinationals like Airbus Group SE and PSA Peugeot Citroen have garnered a lot of the attention, smaller companies like Caran d’Ache—a household name for Swiss families—also stand to win business. Iran is currently the family-owned pencil maker’s third-largest market in the Middle East and sales growth of 25% is expected in 2016 and the next two years, according to Chief Executive Officer Jean-Francois de Saussure. The CEO was part of a business delegation that accompanied Swiss President Johann Schneider-Ammann on a trip to Tehran in February. “We are there for the long run,” said Hubscher. “It’s not a rush.” De Saussure noted that international banks face difficulties in resuming operations, which delay potential business relations between Switzerland and Iran. “It will take time for the situation to normalize, but little by little it will happen,” he said.

Challenges at Home Caran d’Ache faces challenges in its European markets as well. The company, which has about 300 employees and does not disclose revenue data, only produces in the Geneva area where labor is more expensive than in neighboring France. The strong franc also weighs on orders. Pencil makers such as Caran d’Ache face additional headwinds due to the advent of electronic devices such as Apple Inc.’s iPad. Still, Hubscher is confident about the future. “Pencils will always remain the same,” Hubscher said. “There will always be children, artists, architects, who need real tools in their hands for their drawings, their sketches. It’s your touch, your creativity, your style. It’s not the same on an iPad.”

Short Url : http://financialtribune.com/articles/economy­business­and­markets/40822/swiss­pencil­maker­makes­iran­comeback IMIDRO At a Glance IMIDRO Subsidiaries Mines Mining Industry Investment IMIDRO Events Contact search

اﺧﺒﺎر ﺑﺮﮔﺰﻳﺪه imidro News

News Categories code: 4085 view counter: 21 publish date: 08/05/2016 Karbasian offered in the third Europe_Iran Forum News $40Billion Foreign Investment Opportunities in Iran’s Mining Sector Articles Tehran, May8, IMIDRO_ The sixth development plan and development projects in Iran’s mines and mining industries sector are appropriate opportunities Repots for Europe and Iran to achieve mutual benefits, Mehdi Karbasian, Chairman of the board of IMIDRO, expressed.

Meetings According to the report of public relations of IMIDRO, Addressing managers of large Gallery mining ,investment, banking, financial and insurance firms from Iran and Europe IMIDRO Across The World during the third Europe_Iran Forum in Zurich, Mehdi Karbasian declared that Iran has extensive plan for mines and mining industries sector development which requires $40

billion investment to develop steel, aluminum, copper, zinc and mineral sectors related

to mine sector such as exploration and infrastructure affairs which could be a

Europe_Iran joint venture opportunity.

Karbasian said:”we seek to cooperate with the world’s first_tier companies in achieving our goals.”

IMIDRO provides proper conditions for obtaining the required licenses based on priorities. All steps of investment and investment

attraction process will be performed under the law of foreign investment attraction guaranteed by the government of the Islamic

Republic of Iran for return or outflow of capital from country.

Iran in the sixth development plan (will start on March2017) seeks to attract $250 billion investment in oil and gas, infrastructures,

industries and mines and mining industries sectors. This create a golden opportunity for European firms such as banks, equipment

suppliers, investors, insurances,etc.,which lead to development of bilateral strategic and long term relations.

Attendance in IMIS 2016

In order to negotiate with IMIDRO and other Iranian companies as well as to discover Iran’s economic potentials, Karbasian invited

mining ,investment ,banking and insurance firms to attend the second Iran Mines and Mining Industries Summit (IMIS2016)which will

be held on 11_12 July .

The third Europe_Iran Forum held on may3-4 in Zurich attended by 400 representatives of investors, banks and insurance firms.

File

Europe-Iran Form - final revision by Mr.Hoseinzadeh 99.66 KB

Iranian Mines & Mining Industries About Imidro Knowledge Base Links Development & Renovation Organization At a Glance Special Reports Information No 39, Sepahbod Gharani, Tehran, Iran Message from the CEO Notes and Papers Bases Information

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اﺧﺒﺎر ﺑﺮﮔﺰﻳﺪه imidro News

News Categories code: 4078 view counter: 21 publish date: 07/05/2016 World’s Major Mining Companies Ready to Invest in Iran Mining Sector News

Articles Tehran,May5,IMIDRO_Major mining and financial companies in the world announced their readiness for investment in Iran’s mines and mining industries sector in the third Europe_Iran Forum in Zurich,Switzerland. Repots

Meetings According to the report of public relations of IMIDRO,Trafigura ,the third largest raw

Gallery material company in the world,is ready to invest in Iran’s copper industry,Jeremy Weir

IMIDRO Across The ,CEO of Trafigura,expressed during a meeting with Mehdi Karbasian chairman of the World board of IMIDRO,in the third Europe_Iran Forum in Zurich.

This two_day event was held on May3-4 with attandence of over 400 managers and

experts of major mining,industrial,financial and insurance companies of the world.

Also,Karbasian met Gerard Terneyre,Vice-President of Vollourec,in this meeting they announced that they are ready for joint venture to

set up a seamless steel sheets production plant.

Seamless steel pipes are used in oil and gas industries and are necessary for the economy of this sector but now they are being import

from other countries to Iran.

During this event ,Karbasian met senior manager of KBC.They negotiated financing and investment in Iran’s minesand mining industries

sector.For the first step,KBC announced its readiness to finance development projects worth 50 million Euros .

Karbasian as one of the speakers of the third Europe_Iran forum explained revitalization of Iranian industry in post sanctions era.

Some major Iranian companies and banks attended the event.Over 50 speakers from Iran and other countries presented their views

about cooperation and investment opportninties in Iran.

Speakers lectured on several subjects such as the role of banks in the Iranian economy, information and communication technology,

leadership in the private sector, infrastructure and construction, strategies to secure financing, the future of Iran’s “mother industries”

,manufacturing and supply chain, transportation and logistics and strategies for global competitiveness.

First and second Europe_Iran Forum were held in London and Geneva on 2014 and 2015 respectively.

Gallery

Iranian Mines & Mining Industries About Imidro Knowledge Base Links Development & Renovation Organization At a Glance Special Reports Information No 39, Sepahbod Gharani, Tehran, Iran Message from the CEO Notes and Papers Bases Information

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World Iran Opinion Business Exclusive About us

Local Exclusive Archive News 3rd Europe-Iran In An Exclusive Interview With Khorasan Forum and Business With Iran 3rd Europe-Iran Forum and Business With Iran After JCPOA After JCPOA Wednesday 4 May 2016 22:01 American analyst: ‘Iran Congressman ordered to pay Pompeo: I, and compensation to other critics of the victims of Israeli false Iran Deal, flag’ understand that the deal is now being US curbed nuclear deal implemented in 2005: Jack Straw U.S. Member of Parliament thinks

that it is possible Former UK FM: US still Iran's parliament has ‘much to do’ on Members travel to the U.S. to monitor JCPOA Congress Election

Saudi Arabia, Brussels attacks direct Buried under result of Western Wahhabism governments’ policies

The quality of US- The Russian Bear and Saudi relationship the Game of Reducing is going to change Forces in Syria

Expansion of Strategic Relations between Iran and Turkey a Necessity The Last Meeting of Iran-Europe Economic Forum In an exclusive interview with Khorasan Europe Iran Forums Attenders Are Optimistic About The Future Ellie Geranmayeh, policy fellow at The European Council of Foreign Relations: The visits by European Exclusive interview Iranian banks apply to operate in leaders, including the EU’s High Representative Ms. Mogherini send strong positive signals that 1 Iran’s Plans to Develop Turkey Europe is willing to stand by its commitments under the nuclear deal. Nuclear Fusion Project Says Head of Iran’s Atomic JCPOA Implementation to Lower Oil Energy Organization Dr. Ali

Industry Development Costs Akbar Salehi in Interview . US not opposed to foreign banks Ellie Geranmayeh says the 3rd Europe-Iran Forum in Zurich is definitely much more positive than in business with Iran: Kerry Exclusive Gallery previous years before the JCPOA. Spain's foreign 2 minister, José Manuel García-Margallo meets Ellie Geranmayeh who closely followed and advised on nuclear negotiations between 2012-2015 told Iran's FM Dr. Zarif us that if Iran continues implementation of nuclear deal, and if in any case the next U.S President Photos by Hosein Hatami - terminate the deal, the P5+1 will stand by Iran against the U.S. KHORASAN

In an Exclusive interview with Khorasan Newspaper 1- As you said in your article, "During this initial phase, Europe’s private sector will be extremely 3 U.S. Member of Parliament thinks that it cautious about agreeing to major or long-term business deals with Iran" (Engaging with Iran: A is possible Iran's European Agenda). Do you think in these conferences, especially the Zurich Forum, Europe's parliament Members business sectors have left behind those concerns now? And are they really want to start trade with Iran travel to the U.S. to monitor Congress or still they need to see more positive steps? Election The mood in Zurich is definitely much more positive than in previous years before the JCPOA. Post sanctions easing, there is now increased interest from European private sector to trade with and invest in Iran post Exclusive Gallery sanctions. However, there still remains concerns regarding sanctions, transparency, financing and due Iran’s Zarif calls for 4 expansion of ties with diligence related to such deals. The key challenge facing European companies is getting the type of financial Czech Republic support necessary to pursue agreements with Iran. Photos by Hosein Hatami - 2- If the next president of the U.S terminate the nuclear deal, as Republican senator Lee Zeldin in an KHORASAN exclusive interview told us it would be feasible, what would happen to European foreign policy after Iran’s Foreign Minister restoring the sanction once they were lifted? joint press conference European policy makers believe there is nominal chance that the next US president would walk away from the 5 with Brazilian Foreign nuclear deal. They separate the words of Congress members and heated pre-election rhetoric from the Minister Mauro Vieira realities of what is possible for a US president to actually do given the political constraints. If the next US president unreasonably terminates America’s participation in the JCPOA, they will be isolated from the remaining P5+1 countries. If Iran continues implementation of the nuclear deal in this scenario, Europeans will consider best ways to work with China and Russia to salvage the nuclear deal and resist imposition of US sanctions. 3- Why American companies look a little bit more reserved than the Europeans about the prospects of getting into Iran? US primary sanctions targeting Iran remain on US entities unless they are exempted through specialized US Treasury licences that will be provided in certain sector such as aviation. Therefore, US companies do not have the legal freedom to trade with Iran in the same way as Europeans do. 4- Given the current situation, don’t you think that FM Zarif will be disappointed gradually from Western countries? It has so far been just over 3 months since the nuclear deal entered implementation phase. Compare this to almost ten years of sanctions and diplomatic slow-down between Iran and Europe. The situation is much better now than it was a few years ago and some patience is required before mutual confidence is created for business flows. The visits by European leaders, including the EU’s High Representative Ms. Mogherini send strong positive signals that Europe is willing to stand by its commitments under the nuclear deal. 5- Erasmus Exchange Programms, as Mr. Jeron Van der Veer said is "... the most inspirational innovation in Europe, ... who brought a new mind-set to Europe in the Renaissanse period". Do you think in near future European and especially Iranian students can be part of these programms? In another word, can these programms would be available for Iranian students like many other African or Asian Students? The European Union is already considering potential ways to provide Erasmus exchange programmes to Iran as a way to promote people to people diplomacy. The conditions for this need to be right in both Iran and Europe.

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Local Europe Archive News The Last Meeting of Exclusive Report Iran-Europe Economic Forum Europe Iran Forums Attenders Are Optimistic About The Future Tuesday 3 May 2016 17:39 American analyst: ‘Iran Europe Iran ordered to pay Forums Attenders compensation to Are Optimistic victims of Israeli false About The Future flag’

Two explosions US curbed nuclear deal rock Brussels in 2005: Jack Straw airport

Russia may use Former UK FM: US still force against Syria has ‘much to do’ on truce violators, US JCPOA warned

Protesters In Brussels attacks direct Ukraine Attack result of Western Russian Embassy governments’ policies Over Detained Pilot

The Russian Bear and the Game of Reducing

3rd Europe-Iran Forum and Business Forces in Syria With Iran After JCPOA Expansion of Strategic The Last Meeting of Iran-Europe Relations between Iran Economic Forum and Turkey a Necessity First Airbus A350 XWB lands in Tehran Pratibha Thaker, Economist intelligence Unit in the 3rd Europe-Iran Forum. for initial tests FM spokesman: Iran nuclear program Over 500 major decision makers and major International companies from array of sectors participated not a threat to other countries in the conference today in the 3rd European Forum in Zurich, in Dolder Grand Hotel.Khorasan English German Chancellor to

JCPOA regarded as victory of Reported. pay upcoming visit to multilateralism over unilateralism 1 Iran

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, the founding partner of BHB Emissary and the organizer of this world class business conference, first greets the audiences. He starts with a new and optimistic approach towards this Protesters In Ukraine Attack Russian forum and mentions Iran as a great potential economy in the globe. 2 Embassy Over Detained Pilot

Rouhani: Iran-Europe Iran has very extensive coming signs relations on upward -Will Thomas 3 trend

Then Jeroen van der veer from Philips and ING group; Pratibha Thaker, Economist intelligence Unit, George Uncertainty looms over Kleinfeld from Clifford Chance, Patrick Murphy from Clyde & CO and Will Thomas from Eversheds begin their Greece after emphatic speeches with some fundamental approaches and questions towards business in Iran; its opportunities, 4 ‘No’ to creditors struggles and economic benefits for the international business especially after JCPOA.

International creditors discuss Greece's new 5 proposals Iran is showing face of opening business - Pratibha Thaker

If you interested in EuropeIranForum ? Follow @khorasan_en on twitter to be updated . you can also keep up with #khorasanlive about all the news towards this global event. Search phrase ... Beta version

World Iran Opinion Business Exclusive About us

Local Europe Archive News The Last Meeting of The Second Exclusive Report of Iran-Europe Economic Forum The Last Meeting of Iran-Europe Economic Forum Thursday 5 May 2016 02:30 American analyst: ‘Iran Europe Iran ordered to pay Forums Attenders compensation to Are Optimistic victims of Israeli false About The Future flag’

Two explosions US curbed nuclear deal rock Brussels in 2005: Jack Straw airport

Russia may use Former UK FM: US still force against Syria has ‘much to do’ on truce violators, US JCPOA warned

Protesters In Brussels attacks direct Ukraine Attack result of Western Russian Embassy governments’ policies Over Detained Pilot

The Russian Bear and the Game of Reducing

3rd Europe-Iran Forum and Business Forces in Syria With Iran After JCPOA Expansion of Strategic Europe Iran Forums Attenders Are Relations between Iran Optimistic About The Future and Turkey a Necessity Iranian banks apply to operate in Turkey Day 2 May 4th features 6 panel discussions, 15 industry workshop, and 4 keynote speeches. JCPOA Implementation to Lower Oil Some other Iranian & European business leaders share their insights in different subject areas. Industry Development Costs Two important big Iranian companies such as Mobarakeh Steel Company and Industry & Mine Banks share German Chancellor to US not opposed to foreign banks their insights and their idea strategy to the audience to achieve foreign companies a robust returns in Iran and pay upcoming visit to business with Iran: Kerry 1 Iran a secure financing.

Protesters In Ukraine Attack Russian 2 Embassy Over Mobarake a world-class & a largest steel production is located in Isfahan. Detained Pilot -Bahram Sobhani CEO of Mobarakeh Rouhani: Iran-Europe relations on upward 3 trend

Iran is a respected and fundamental member in UN Uncertainty looms over Greece after emphatic - GARY LEWIS 4 ‘No’ to creditors Iran Resident Coordinator, United Nations

In the afternoon this big event for Iran business still continues with different topics, such as, strategies for International creditors discuss Greece's new

environmental management theory and practice of Risk in Iran – Strategy for global competitiveness and 5 proposals finally the forum comes to an end with closing words of Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, BHB Emissary, about the future of the Europe-Iran Forum. The Iranian and European features from different areas such as financing, Risk management and the collaboration of European & Iranian firms.

Unlike many other countries, Iran is not so dependent on oil revenue. - MEHDI KARBASIAN Chairman, IMIDRO

We have try to observe all international standards in our banks. - Mostafa Beheshti Bank Pasargard

Business partnership with Iran is an opportunity for both sides. - ELLIE GERANMAYEH Policy Fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations

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Neocons for Trump? by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Over the last few weeks, the debate about supposed U.S. obstruction of sanctions relief has reached a Rouhani’s Incomplete Victory in Iran’s fever pitch. Secretary of State Kerry has brushed o쌈 criticism from Europe and Iran, making it clear Parliamentary Elections that the US stands by its obligations under JCPOA. He has stated that US sanctions are used “an Where Iran Sanctions Relief Falls Short excuse” to hide the fact that some European companies “don’t want to do business or they don’t see a good business deal.” Jarrett Blanc, deputy lead coordinator for Iran nuclear implementation echoed this sentiment when addressing an Iran business conference in Zurich, the 宜rst time the State Corruption in Military Aid Undermines Department has spoken at such a gathering. He noted that hesitations go beyond US sanctions and Global Security that “business decisions, not surprisingly, in fact take into account concerns well beyond sanctions.” These statements have raised concern among deal supporters in Europe, Iran, and the United States that the deal is at risk, especially if momentum doesn’t materialize before the prospect of a Clinton or Trump presidency.

However, the recent debate about obstruction of sanctions relief overlooks the fact that compliance with US regulations requires two steps: understanding the current status of US sanctions on Iran and ensuring that any transaction facilitated by a 宜nancial institution doesn’t contravene those sanctions. It is certainly true that the U.S. Treasury and its O鑀۱ce of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) could do more to elucidate precisely how they will enforce the post-JCPOA Iran sanctions since European 宜nancial institutions, given a history of hefty 宜nes, will not tolerate such a degree of confusion and ambiguity. However, even if the US regulations were crystal clear, determining whether a given transaction is compliant will remain di鑀۱cult. This second dimension to compliance is what banks call “know your customer” or KYC, and it requires a high degree of due diligence to ensure that parties in a given transaction (even the simple transfer of funds from one account to another) do not fall afoul of the remaining US sanctions. Although progress is being made on the 宜rst step of compliance, with US regulators and European bankers and businessmen opening a dialogue, the second step remains a challenge with no clear solution.

In order to put banks at ease, the onus will be on Iranian companies to raise levels of transparency and accountability. Moving from a closed, inward-looking economy to one properly integrated into the global systems for 宜nance and trade will require new business practices. This has been well noted in the numerous country reports written by major law 宜rms such as Dentons, Eversheds, and Clyde & Co, as well as advisory companies such as McKinsey, Control Risks, Economist Intelligence Unit, and PwC. Iran understands the need for greater transparency, but the transition is only just beginning. Most Iranian business leaders considered a nuclear deal an unlikely occurrence until quite late in the negotiations. Few began serious preparations for “post-sanctions” business development until after Implementation Day. As a result, only a handful of Iranian companies in each sector can provide investors detailed and reliable materials on investment and partnership opportunities at the present time. Companies often lack clear and comprehensive websites, let alone detailed third-party due diligence reports or feasibility studies for the projects they are touting. As such, the majority of Iran’s investment opportunities are not “bankable”—that is to say an investor cannot have a high degree of con宜dence in the veri宜ability of the project at hand. If the investor cannot be sure of fundamental details, then the cautious banks will be even more hesitant to provide 宜nancing or simply facilitate the necessary transactions. They will not be able to ensure compliance, even if the US regulations and other relevant sanctions are crystal clear.

The Blind Spot

The majority of the major deals announced since Implementation Day, which have not progressed beyond Memoranda of Understanding, are between European MNCs and Iranian partners who have a historical working relationship. Companies like Airbus, Bosch, Daimler, Danieli, NovoNordisk, Scania, and Siemens are not new in the Iranian market, and therefore the sizeable investments promised can be made with the con宜dence built from an iterated relationship with the Iranian counterparty. New players are facing an interesting dilemma. They are making country visits to Tehran every week and are speaking with potential partners. But while the initial conversations are almost always positive, making clear the much touted investment opportunities, the mechanics of those deals remain di鑀۱cult to pin down. Reluctant to lose the positive tempo of initial visits, European companies have attributed that hesitation to the ambiguity around US sanctions—Secretary Kerry’s comments are accurate. These new entrants certainly 宜nd it far easier to blame US sanctions than to explain the inadequacy of a potential Iranian partner’s provided information. It is also hard to blame the Iranian companies that have so little recourse and support in actually producing reports and documentation to the standards Europeans desire even in a so-called “emerging market.”

Here, then, is the true blind spot of US sanctions relief for Iran. It’s not so much that banks feel uncomfortable with transactions, but actually that the third-party service providers banks and businesses rely on to provide an objective, veri宜able, and bankable picture of a given opportunity, counterparty, or transaction are not able to operate. The same companies that have produced the initial ᴧurry of reports about Iran—management consulting 宜rms, accountancies, credit agencies, and law 宜rms—are 宜nding it very di鑀۱cult to understand exactly how they can service Iranian clients in the current regulatory environment. These global companies have massive US operations and countless US persons working in an inherently polycentric corporate structure. They are in some ways the most multinational of all multinational corporations. For example, every McKinsey o鑀۱ce in Europe is technically a Delaware corporation. These companies, which act in many respects as the architects of global standards for business practice and governance, are perhaps more hamstrung than the banks, which have relatively ring-fenced corporate structures.

This situation presents the fundamental challenge of unlocking post-sanctions Iran. The investment opportunities exist, and there is a real will to engage both in Europe and in Iran, but actionable information is in short supply. The “big four” accountancies are circling Iran, attending conferences, publishing reports, and sending non-US citizens on country visits. Despite the high levels of interest, however, work has been slow to start. It is time-consuming, costly, and logistically di鑀۱cult to create a compliant Iran advisory practice within these major 宜rms.

General License H was a much-touted development to the OFAC guidance update to US sanctions on Implementation Day. It authorized “U.S. persons, including employees and outside legal counsel and consultants to provide training, advice, and counseling on the new or revised operating policies and procedures, provided that these services are not provided to facilitate transactions in violation of U.S. law.” In short, US lawyers and consultants can now help US companies and the foreign subsidiaries of these companies get the basic architecture of their own compliant Iran strategy in place. However, the same US persons and the companies they advise, remain explicitly unable to “rely on [General License] H to “export U.S.-origin goods to Iran.” The trouble is that “U.S.-origin goods” encompasses a prohibition on “reexporting from a third country, directly or indirectly, any goods, technology, or services that have been exported from the United States.” Furthermore, beyond the initial permitted consultations, U.S. persons cannot partake in Iran-related “day-to-day operations” of a U.S.-owned or - controlled foreign entity engaging in activities with Iran, “including by approving, 宜nancing, facilitating, or guaranteeing any Iran-related transaction by the foreign entity.”

This language raises many important questions for a company whose primary service is advisory. Can the exchange of ideas and information have a national origin such that it would be de宜ned as a service exported from the U.S.? What does “facilitation” mean in terms of consultancy or due diligence work, which will nearly always be insisted upon by one or all of the involved parties? What is the “red line” where the provision of training and advice to help devise a ring-fencing structure for a non-US subsidiary’s Iran business becomes “day-to-day” involvement in the new Iranian venture? Finally, if the advisor is a third party in a given transaction, is there a meaningful point at which the “exportation” of a service is “is intended speci宜cally for Iran,” and thereby prohibited, or in fact intended and performed for the non-Iranian party?

What the US Should Do We live in a global ideas economy, where some of the world’s most important companies do nothing more than ensure other 宜rms are working in the most intelligent, strategic, and transparent ways. If Iran is going to become a responsible player in the global economy, it needs access to the free market for ideas. US sanctions policy must ensure that channels for the transfer of knowledge and expertise are left open and that the world’s leading advisory 宜rms can take the lead in sifting through the Iranian opportunities, raising capacity in Iranian companies, and providing transparency for European banks and businesses. A new, expanded general license for advisory practices would eliminate the hassle and cost of setting up a proper Iran advisory practice and get the right expertise into the country at this crucial stage. There already exist broad exemptions for activities such as journalism, publishing, and conference organizing, which presuppose an open exchange of information. The spirit of these exemptions needs to be extended to a broader notion of knowledge transfer that allows for holistic compliance-focused advisory services to be provided to Iranian clients without the arbitrary prohibition of activities by US entities.

Policymakers would be hard pressed to 宜nd a way that a management consultant or tax expert trying to explain to an Iranian company how the world expects them to do business would contravene the purpose of US sanctions. On the contrary, policymakers might keep primary US sanctions in place until enough knowledge has been transferred to Iran to raise transparency and governance standards. This will enable US regulators to have a greater degree of con宜dence in the ability of private businesses to themselves judge the appropriateness of transactions at such time that the US is ready to consider a lifting of primary sanctions on Iran. To be clear, management consultants and other advisors are plainly not a panacea for Iran, but they can have a major inᴧuence in shaping the direction of intelligent commercial development. Consider the signi宜cant role played by McKinsey in formulating Saudi Arabia’s new Vision 2030 plan. Iran needs similar expertise and vision now.

The adage “trust but verify” was bandied by the Obama Administration to explain the methodology of JCPOA. The veri宜cation of the IAEA—a third party—was crucial to bringing the nuclear deal to fruition. Rather than complaining about banks and historical 宜nes, we should realize that the economic implementation of sanctions relief under JCPOA will also require its own kind of third-party veri宜cation. Kerry is telling the banks to trust that sanctions relief is real, but he isn’t giving them the tools to verify that opportunities are actionable. This is where sanctions relief is falling short.

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj is the founder and organizer of the Europe-Iran Forum, a leading economic conference. He is also a researcher on Iranian political economy and social history. Photo: Mobarakeh in Esfahan is Iran’s largest steel mill listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (via Wikipedia)

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Published on May 12th, 2016 | by Guest 1 Email Address

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Neocons for Trump? by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj

Over the last few weeks, the debate about supposed U.S. obstruction of sanctions relief has reached a Rouhani’s Incomplete Victory in Iran’s fever pitch. Secretary of State Kerry has brushed o쌈 criticism from Europe and Iran, making it clear Parliamentary Elections that the US stands by its obligations under JCPOA. He has stated that US sanctions are used “an Where Iran Sanctions Relief Falls Short excuse” to hide the fact that some European companies “don’t want to do business or they don’t see a good business deal.” Jarrett Blanc, deputy lead coordinator for Iran nuclear implementation echoed this sentiment when addressing an Iran business conference in Zurich, the 宜rst time the State Corruption in Military Aid Undermines Department has spoken at such a gathering. He noted that hesitations go beyond US sanctions and Global Security that “business decisions, not surprisingly, in fact take into account concerns well beyond sanctions.” These statements have raised concern among deal supporters in Europe, Iran, and the United States that the deal is at risk, especially if momentum doesn’t materialize before the prospect of a Clinton or Trump presidency.

However, the recent debate about obstruction of sanctions relief overlooks the fact that compliance with US regulations requires two steps: understanding the current status of US sanctions on Iran and ensuring that any transaction facilitated by a 宜nancial institution doesn’t contravene those sanctions. It is certainly true that the U.S. Treasury and its O鑀۱ce of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) could do more to elucidate precisely how they will enforce the post-JCPOA Iran sanctions since European 宜nancial institutions, given a history of hefty 宜nes, will not tolerate such a degree of confusion and ambiguity. However, even if the US regulations were crystal clear, determining whether a given transaction is compliant will remain di鑀۱cult. This second dimension to compliance is what banks call “know your customer” or KYC, and it requires a high degree of due diligence to ensure that parties in a given transaction (even the simple transfer of funds from one account to another) do not fall afoul of the remaining US sanctions. Although progress is being made on the 宜rst step of compliance, with US regulators and European bankers and businessmen opening a dialogue, the second step remains a challenge with no clear solution.

In order to put banks at ease, the onus will be on Iranian companies to raise levels of transparency and accountability. Moving from a closed, inward-looking economy to one properly integrated into the global systems for 宜nance and trade will require new business practices. This has been well noted in the numerous country reports written by major law 宜rms such as Dentons, Eversheds, and Clyde & Co, as well as advisory companies such as McKinsey, Control Risks, Economist Intelligence Unit, and PwC. Iran understands the need for greater transparency, but the transition is only just beginning. Most Iranian business leaders considered a nuclear deal an unlikely occurrence until quite late in the negotiations. Few began serious preparations for “post-sanctions” business development until after Implementation Day. As a result, only a handful of Iranian companies in each sector can provide investors detailed and reliable materials on investment and partnership opportunities at the present time. Companies often lack clear and comprehensive websites, let alone detailed third-party due diligence reports or feasibility studies for the projects they are touting. As such, the majority of Iran’s investment opportunities are not “bankable”—that is to say an investor cannot have a high degree of con宜dence in the veri宜ability of the project at hand. If the investor cannot be sure of fundamental details, then the cautious banks will be even more hesitant to provide 宜nancing or simply facilitate the necessary transactions. They will not be able to ensure compliance, even if the US regulations and other relevant sanctions are crystal clear.

The Blind Spot

The majority of the major deals announced since Implementation Day, which have not progressed beyond Memoranda of Understanding, are between European MNCs and Iranian partners who have a historical working relationship. Companies like Airbus, Bosch, Daimler, Danieli, NovoNordisk, Scania, and Siemens are not new in the Iranian market, and therefore the sizeable investments promised can be made with the con宜dence built from an iterated relationship with the Iranian counterparty. New players are facing an interesting dilemma. They are making country visits to Tehran every week and are speaking with potential partners. But while the initial conversations are almost always positive, making clear the much touted investment opportunities, the mechanics of those deals remain di鑀۱cult to pin down. Reluctant to lose the positive tempo of initial visits, European companies have attributed that hesitation to the ambiguity around US sanctions—Secretary Kerry’s comments are accurate. These new entrants certainly 宜nd it far easier to blame US sanctions than to explain the inadequacy of a potential Iranian partner’s provided information. It is also hard to blame the Iranian companies that have so little recourse and support in actually producing reports and documentation to the standards Europeans desire even in a so-called “emerging market.”

Here, then, is the true blind spot of US sanctions relief for Iran. It’s not so much that banks feel uncomfortable with transactions, but actually that the third-party service providers banks and businesses rely on to provide an objective, veri宜able, and bankable picture of a given opportunity, counterparty, or transaction are not able to operate. The same companies that have produced the initial ᴧurry of reports about Iran—management consulting 宜rms, accountancies, credit agencies, and law 宜rms—are 宜nding it very di鑀۱cult to understand exactly how they can service Iranian clients in the current regulatory environment. These global companies have massive US operations and countless US persons working in an inherently polycentric corporate structure. They are in some ways the most multinational of all multinational corporations. For example, every McKinsey o鑀۱ce in Europe is technically a Delaware corporation. These companies, which act in many respects as the architects of global standards for business practice and governance, are perhaps more hamstrung than the banks, which have relatively ring-fenced corporate structures.

This situation presents the fundamental challenge of unlocking post-sanctions Iran. The investment opportunities exist, and there is a real will to engage both in Europe and in Iran, but actionable information is in short supply. The “big four” accountancies are circling Iran, attending conferences, publishing reports, and sending non-US citizens on country visits. Despite the high levels of interest, however, work has been slow to start. It is time-consuming, costly, and logistically di鑀۱cult to create a compliant Iran advisory practice within these major 宜rms.

General License H was a much-touted development to the OFAC guidance update to US sanctions on Implementation Day. It authorized “U.S. persons, including employees and outside legal counsel and consultants to provide training, advice, and counseling on the new or revised operating policies and procedures, provided that these services are not provided to facilitate transactions in violation of U.S. law.” In short, US lawyers and consultants can now help US companies and the foreign subsidiaries of these companies get the basic architecture of their own compliant Iran strategy in place. However, the same US persons and the companies they advise, remain explicitly unable to “rely on [General License] H to “export U.S.-origin goods to Iran.” The trouble is that “U.S.-origin goods” encompasses a prohibition on “reexporting from a third country, directly or indirectly, any goods, technology, or services that have been exported from the United States.” Furthermore, beyond the initial permitted consultations, U.S. persons cannot partake in Iran-related “day-to-day operations” of a U.S.-owned or - controlled foreign entity engaging in activities with Iran, “including by approving, 宜nancing, facilitating, or guaranteeing any Iran-related transaction by the foreign entity.”

This language raises many important questions for a company whose primary service is advisory. Can the exchange of ideas and information have a national origin such that it would be de宜ned as a service exported from the U.S.? What does “facilitation” mean in terms of consultancy or due diligence work, which will nearly always be insisted upon by one or all of the involved parties? What is the “red line” where the provision of training and advice to help devise a ring-fencing structure for a non-US subsidiary’s Iran business becomes “day-to-day” involvement in the new Iranian venture? Finally, if the advisor is a third party in a given transaction, is there a meaningful point at which the “exportation” of a service is “is intended speci宜cally for Iran,” and thereby prohibited, or in fact intended and performed for the non-Iranian party?

What the US Should Do We live in a global ideas economy, where some of the world’s most important companies do nothing more than ensure other 宜rms are working in the most intelligent, strategic, and transparent ways. If Iran is going to become a responsible player in the global economy, it needs access to the free market for ideas. US sanctions policy must ensure that channels for the transfer of knowledge and expertise are left open and that the world’s leading advisory 宜rms can take the lead in sifting through the Iranian opportunities, raising capacity in Iranian companies, and providing transparency for European banks and businesses. A new, expanded general license for advisory practices would eliminate the hassle and cost of setting up a proper Iran advisory practice and get the right expertise into the country at this crucial stage. There already exist broad exemptions for activities such as journalism, publishing, and conference organizing, which presuppose an open exchange of information. The spirit of these exemptions needs to be extended to a broader notion of knowledge transfer that allows for holistic compliance-focused advisory services to be provided to Iranian clients without the arbitrary prohibition of activities by US entities.

Policymakers would be hard pressed to 宜nd a way that a management consultant or tax expert trying to explain to an Iranian company how the world expects them to do business would contravene the purpose of US sanctions. On the contrary, policymakers might keep primary US sanctions in place until enough knowledge has been transferred to Iran to raise transparency and governance standards. This will enable US regulators to have a greater degree of con宜dence in the ability of private businesses to themselves judge the appropriateness of transactions at such time that the US is ready to consider a lifting of primary sanctions on Iran. To be clear, management consultants and other advisors are plainly not a panacea for Iran, but they can have a major inᴧuence in shaping the direction of intelligent commercial development. Consider the signi宜cant role played by McKinsey in formulating Saudi Arabia’s new Vision 2030 plan. Iran needs similar expertise and vision now.

The adage “trust but verify” was bandied by the Obama Administration to explain the methodology of JCPOA. The veri宜cation of the IAEA—a third party—was crucial to bringing the nuclear deal to fruition. Rather than complaining about banks and historical 宜nes, we should realize that the economic implementation of sanctions relief under JCPOA will also require its own kind of third-party veri宜cation. Kerry is telling the banks to trust that sanctions relief is real, but he isn’t giving them the tools to verify that opportunities are actionable. This is where sanctions relief is falling short.

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj is the founder and organizer of the Europe-Iran Forum, a leading economic conference. He is also a researcher on Iranian political economy and social history. Photo: Mobarakeh in Esfahan is Iran’s largest steel mill listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (via Wikipedia)

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About the Author

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Neocons for Trump? American Power Rouhani’s Incomplete Additional Weirdness → Under Challenge → Victory in Iran’s in Opposition to the Parliamentary Iran Nuclear Elections → Agreement →

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Is this the USG’s New Messaging on Iran Sanctions? by Tyler Cullis | May 5, 2016 | Blog | 0 comments

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This week, the 3rd Europe-Iran Forum took place in Zurich, Switzerland with close to 400 persons in attendance, including prominent members of the European and Iranian private sector as well as a scattered but impressive array of U.S. and European government oꛕРcials. The Forum is intended to serve as a networking opportunity for persons interested in re-engaging the Iranian market in the post- sanctions era.

I did not attend. But the Deputy Lead Coordinator for Iran Nuclear Deal Implementation at the U.S. Department of State, Jarrett Blanc, was in attendance and did speak before the business conference. So far as I am aware, this is the rst time that a U.S. government oꛕРcial spoke before the conference (though Ido believe that certain lower-level U.S. oꛕРcials did attend the conference in years prior). The fact that Blanc spoke to the conference is evidence enough of the enormous shift in U.S. policy towards Iran generated as a result of the conclusion of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (“JCPOA”).

However, I am perplexed by Blanc’s remarks before the conference – or, at least the iteration of those remarks as reported in the U.S. press. For instance, Reuters paraphrased Blanc as stating that “companies [interested in but so far shut out of the Iranian market] should tell their Iranian partners that it was not just those remaining sanctions that were holding up business deals.” Instead, Blanc said:

Many times, in the past 100 days, we have found international rms who have said to Iran: ‘Only U.S. sanctions are preventing you from doing business.’ But when we dig a little deeper, and seek to answer questions about precisely your concerns, it turns out your business decisions, not surprisingly, in fact take into account concerns well beyond sanctions. As a result, Blanc continued, companies should express to their Iranian partners that their concerns go above and beyond the impact of surviving U.S. sanctions but also include business and reputational risk inside Iran. In Blanc’s words, companies should tell Iran: “Don’t take the easy way out, by just saying, ‘U.S. sanctions, U.S. sanctions, U.S. sanctions.’”

If this is the standard that the U.S. government is going to employ – i.e., that U.S. sanctions or lack of clarity over them are not solely at fault for the inability of Iran to receive practical value from the nuclear accord – then we now have extremely low expectations. Parsing Blanc’s words closely, he e艅ectively admits that surviving U.S. sanctions are having a substantial e艅ect on the business decisions of companies interested in pursuing opportunities in Iran. He just says that U.S. sanctions are not the only item having such an impact on rms’ business decisions.

It is clear that Iran has signicant problems with its domestic legal environment that would factor to a considerable degree for any company interested in re- engaging the Iranian market. No one can doubt that Iran presents substantial business risk. Moreover, no one should ignore the fact that Iran curries signicant reputational risk for rms returning to business as usual there.

However, in my experience, these tend to be second- or third-order problems. Most rms don’t even get to the issue of how diꛕРcult it will prove maneuvering through the Iranian market because surviving U.S. sanctions – combined with the persistent ambiguities in the scope and application of current Iran-related sanctions regulations – pose a hurdle too high for most companies to climb. As a result, most companies opt out of making the decision to re-enter Iran from the get-go – before it is even possible to entertain the challenges inherent in doing business in Iran.

Moreover, those companies that do want to engage Iran have the problem of nding banks to support their trade or investment activities. As has been reported time and again, most European nancial institutions have decided to go agnostic over Iran and refused to either re-engage their Iranian counterparts or support the trading activities of their companies. In doing so, even highly-motivated companies who are prepared to gure out how to e艅ectively maneuver through Iran’s business environment run into the trouble of nding a bank to bank their business.

As such, surviving U.S. sanctions and the overhang of those sanctions lifted by the U.S., Europe, and the global community are proving a costly impediment for rms interested in re-engaging the Iranian market. They pose the immediate problem for companies interested in returning to Iran. The Obama administration and its representatives cannot ignore this problem. Until the issue is satisfactorily resolved, moreover, it is unlikely that there will be a large in‹㌰ux of business into Iran – no matter what reforms the Iranians choose to undertake to improve the domestic legal environment and recover their international standing. Share

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   Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress US Says Cannot Order Banks to Take ‘Risky’ Actions, Trade with Iran News ID: 1066735 Service: Economy  May, 04, 2016 - 15:58

TEHRAN (Tasnim) – A US Department of State official said the government cannot order banks to take “risky” actions and reengage with Iranian financial entities following a lasting nuclear deal between Tehran and world powers.

Jarrett Blanc, the deputy of lead coordinator for the nuclear agreement implementation Stephen D. Mull, pointed to recent reports on a US plan to relax financial restrictions on Iran and said the government cannot order banks to take actions that they view as risky, al-Monitor reported.

He made the remarks on Tuesday during the Europe-Iran Forum in Zurich.

In the meantime, George Kleinfeld, a lawyer and sanctions expert at the Clifford Chance law firm in Washington, made a speech during the event and urged the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to issue “a general license that would permit foreign financial institutions to involve US-person employees” in legal Iran-related business by non-US banks.

US media had reported earlier that the Obama administration was mulling over a plan to relax financial restrictions that ban US dollars in trade with Iran.

It is believed that Washington suddenly reversed its decision after a number of US lawmakers expressed concerns over this, arguing that “Tehran would be getting more than it deserves” from last year’s nuclear accord.

This is while Iran has said it is not interested in dealing with dollar and has switched to euro in its foreign trade.

Tehran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) reached a nuclear deal on July 14, 2015 and started implementing it on January 16. The comprehensive nuclear deal, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), terminated all nuclear-related sanctions imposed on Iran, but the country is not getting the full economic fruits of the landmark deal yet.

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Iran’s mining sector offers $40 billion for foreign investment

May 8, 2016 Economy

Iran offers $40 billion investment opportunities to the foreign entities for development of its mining sector, according to Mehdi Karbasian, the head of Iranian Mines and Mining Industries Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

The ofcial made the remarks in the 3rd Europe-Iran Forum in Zurich, Switzerland as Mehr news agency reported on Friday. In the event attended by senior managers of prestigious mining, investment, nance, banking and insurance companies from all around the world, Karbasian said that Iran has a comprehensive plan for the development of mining sector. Head of IMIDRO also asserted that based on the road map drawn up for 2025, Iran’s steel demand will rise to 40 million tons. “In this regard we are planning to achieve a capacity of 55 million tons of steel production from which 15 million tons will be allocated for export”, he noted. Referring to Iran’s economic advantages, Karbasian said,” Iran is one of the least expensive countries for investors in mining and mineral industry”. He also pointed out that Iran is located in a region with a market of more than 300 million people. The country has a population of about 80 million and the GDP of $400 billion. Iran is located at the heart of the Middle East. This suggests that in fact Iran will be the center of export and transportation in the region which will have signicant benets for the investors. Karbasian also noted that unlike some of the oil producing countries, Iran is not dependent only on oil. “Other spheres like petrochemical, automotive, agricultural, food, rug, shipbuilding and mining industries are making revenue for the country”, he said. The government is planning for a growth rate of 8 percent for the economy in the Sixth National Development Plan (2016-2021) and the mining sector has a great potential in this program. EF/MA

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Thousand of Basij soldiers stage mock seige of GroupTemple Mount in Iran.(Photo slams by: FARS) Europe-Iran economic confab in Zurich By HERB KEINON 05/05/2016 United Against Nuclear Iran objects to promoting business to the Islamic Republic while ignoring the county’s support for terrorism and its belligerent behavior. The United Against Nuclear Iran organization on Wednesday slammed a two-day Europe-Iran forum currently taking place in Zurich for promoting business to the Islamic Republic while ignoring the county’s support for terrorism and its belligerent behavior.

UANI CEO Mark Wallace and its chairman, former US senator Joe Lieberman, issued a statement saying that it was “alarming” to see the event “blindly promoting business opportunities and investments in Iran without any acknowledgment of the severe risks or discussion of Iran’s troubling and belligerent behavior.”

Iran, the statement said, “remains, the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism.

From ballistic missile tests and shows of force, to political and financial support of terrorist regimes around the world, Iran has made it clear to the world that the JCPOA [Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal] has yielded no real change or transformation in Tehran.”

A disservice is being provided the world’s business community by presenting Iran as a “hospitable, ripe investment opportunity,” the group said. It also said it was “concerning” that the forum’s lead partners were Iran’s Bank Pasargad and the Iran Mines and Mining Industry Development and Renovation Organization (IMIDRO).

The properties of both institutions remains blocked in the US.

UANI sent a representative, former Italian foreign minister Giulio Terzi, to the parley to raise the alarm about doing business with an unrepentant Iran.

“It is our hope that minister Terzi’s presence will launch more equitable, substantive dialogue among conference attendees, and offer sorely needed transparency during an otherwise imbalanced forum,” the statement read.

Among topics at the conference were the following: “What are the secrets to successful marketing and communications in Iran?”; “What makes Iran’s capital markets such an attractive investment opportunity?”; and “What does it take to establish a successful manufacturing operation in Iran?”

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