France is almost closing a business deal with Iran to sell over 100 Airbus passenger jets, weeks after economic sanctions on the country were lifted, French officials said during a visit to Paris by Iranian President Hassan Rouhani aimed at reviving business ties despite diplomatic differences.
Rouhani told French business leaders after arriving in France on Wednesday that Iran was open for investment as he continued his first trip abroad since Iran’s sanctions-ending nuclear accord with world powers took effect.
Rouhani is due to deliver a speech to business leaders on Thursday at a Franco-Iranian forum.
Pierre Gattaz, head of France’s Medef employers association, said he expected four major contracts to be agreed with the Iranians, including the Airbus order and a joint venture between carmakers PSA Peugeot Citroen and Iran Khodro.
