4/12/2015

Lyon industry exposition

Maybe you have heard about the recent negotiations between Iran and USA. Iran would be ready to sell their “nuclear industry” in return for “lifting the sanctions”. This is the deal, the exchange of “nuclear industry” for “lifting sanctions”. Otherwise, from Iranian side failing the negotiations and any deal without a real lifting of sanctions is the same thing. Obviously this deal is not just about the nuclear industry and US sanctions. It could change the political strategic alliance and political relations in Middle East; And between the Middle East and West. Iran and the US in a normal relationship would have different positions in world political spectrum but the immediate consequence of deal for Iran will be restart business relations which have been broken because of sanctions. 
APRIL 7-10 2015 // EUREXPO LYON

One of the reason that I have come to Lyon industry exposition is to do an evaluation of French company’s vision after the recent understanding between the Iran and the US. Surprisely, a large majority of CEOs who were precent there were following the negotiations news regarding to Iran-US deal. Often when I  state that I could help them to discover Iran’s market, they appreciate my offer and welcome effort. Some of them have done business with Iran and blame the Americans for ruining their previous business. 

Already the big companies are preparing to enter the Iranian market and even American ones have sent their teams to Iran, unofficially of course. On the other hand, small companies don’t  have strong enough structure and technologies to permit them to go ahead in Iranian market. I would say that local Iranian companies are not motivated to work with small European companies. So the best strategy will be to focus on mid-size firms. However, my investor does not agree with this strategy and said to me “go for the big ones”.

PS:
* Italian and Spanish company had a strong presence.
* The majority of providers were white men between the age 50 to 60.
* The Ambiance was masculine; attendance by women was in the minority. The presence of women was mostly at reception.
* Lyon is  lively, friendly, young, beautiful and industrial city. I like it.