​In a meeting between the Iranian industry, mining, and trade minister and the French secretary of state for foreign trade, tourism promotion, the two sides agreed to set up a joint working group to expand trade and economic ties.Iranian industry minister Eng. Ne’matzadeh said cooperation between the two countries should be culminated in making joint investment. Such cooperation can be in the form of participation in investment projects, transfer of technology, or participation in research and development. The industry, mining, and trade minister emphasized that activities in Iran will be based on competition. “We have no limitations regarding the presence and investment of Europeans, especially French companies, in Iran. But, we want to see production is taken place here,” he added.Referring to the car industry, Eng. Ne’matzadeh said negotiations have been made with other countries, such as Germany. “Regarding French companies which were active in Iran, we should reach acceptable and long-term conditions,” he said. “Previous methods such as CKD will not be acceptable. We insist on manufacturing base don new platforms and supplying new brands both in the Iranian and foreign markets,” he noted.The industry, mining, and trade minister added: “In the field of medicine, cosmetics, and healthcare products, there are suitable grounds for cooperation.” “There are considerable reserves in Iran. We can cooperate in the fields of mineral exploration, engineering services, energy, oil, gas, and petrochemicals,” Eng. Ne’matzadeh added.The industry, mining, and trade minister went on to say that Iran has taken measures over the past years for joining the World Trade Organization. It is hoped that the country would get the organization’s membership under support of European countries, he added.Matthias Fekl, the French Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism, said for his part that his country is determined to be present in the Iranian market. France’s viewpoint has changed in this regard, he added.“We are interested in starting long-term cooperation with Iran,” he said, adding that high-ranking French officials support such negotiations.The French Minister of State with responsibility for Foreign Trade, the Promotion of Tourism, added: “The economic sector of France is interested in cooperation and presence in Iran. We are ready for cooperation in car, food, and technical services industries.” Matthias Fekl said: “In the new era, Iran’s presence in international organizations and the World Trade Organization is necessary.” He welcomed the idea of setting up a joint working group for commercial and industrial purposes, expressing hope that the visit of French president to Iran would culminate in making important agreements between the two countries.