Commerce Minister Mohammad Shariatmadari, heading a trade delegation to France, met on Thursday with French Minister of Economy, Finance and Industry Francis Mer, IRNA reported from Paris.

Mer welcomed Iranian delegation saying that the developments in Iran bode well for expansion of ties between Tehran and Paris.

Paris sees no obstacle in strengthening bilateral trade ties he said adding "The visit to Paris by the Iranian commerce minister is the right step in bolstering relations."

Shairatmadari briefed the French economy minister on policies in lessening the role of government in the Iranian economy, ceding the state-owned enterprises to the private sector and other structural adjustments in the economy in the past several years.

Implementing investment and tax reforms, unification of foreign currency rates, modifying imported exports laws, amending tariff regime and provision for establishing private banking system are among other economic policies, he stated.

Currently there are suitable opportunities for of Tehran-Paris cooperation in telecommunications, aeronautics, and oil and gas sectors.

Shariatamdari, heading a 100-man delegation, is on an official visit to France to examine ways of promoting Tehran-Paris economic cooperation.

Meetings with a number of senior French economic and trade officials, including Foreign Trade Minister Francois Loos, and conclusion of a memoranda of understanding on mutual economic cooperation are high on agenda of the Paris visit of Shariatmadari and his entourage.

Seventy managers from Iran's manufacturing and export institutions grouped in 16 teams are to enter into negotiations with their French counterparts on issues of mutual interest.

The group of Iranian industrialists is expected to represent different economic and industrial sectors, which deal with the technical, engineering, banking, insurance, steel, food, and hand-woven carpet industries as well as the information technology, exhibition, free trade and industrial zones, machinery, cosmetics, mineral, pharmaceutical, hospital equipment, marine and railway industries and vehicle related services.

... Payvand News - 1/23/04 ... --