European Training & Business Program – France & Spain | July 17 – July 24, 2026

International Contract Law, Contract Management in Times of Crisis, and the Development of Iran–Europe Trade Relations

France – Paris:

Date: July 20, 2026

Morning Session

On the morning of Monday, July 20, 2026, the Iranian trade delegation visited the French National Assembly as part of its official program. During the visit, participants were introduced to the history and establishment of the National Assembly, as well as the seating arrangement and roles of Members of Parliament within the main chamber. The delegation also toured various halls and key sections of the Assembly, gaining valuable insight into the institution’s legislative structure and historical significance.

Afternoon Session

Speakers:

Mr. Baki Maneche
Mr. Jean-Charles Albitre
Ms. Mina Alavash

The afternoon seminar commenced at 1:30 PM with the participation of business executives, entrepreneurs, industrial leaders, and members of the Iranian trade delegation. The session focused on strengthening participants’ understanding of international commercial law and addressing key legal challenges in international trade, particularly during times of crisis.

The seminar opened with a presentation by Ms. Mina Alavash, who outlined the principles of drafting international commercial contracts, covering the process from preliminary negotiations and Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) to the execution of final agreements. She emphasized the importance of precise legal drafting and discussed the preparation of contractual addenda during wartime and post-war periods, highlighting how well-structured legal mechanisms can help safeguard business relationships and reduce the risk of future disputes.

Mr. Baki Maneche focused on two essential aspects of drafting Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). First, he emphasized that all key points and understandings reached during negotiations should be accurately reflected in the MOU. Second, he highlighted the importance of incorporating arbitration and dispute resolution provisions, noting that although arbitration centers may involve higher costs than court proceedings, they often provide faster and more specialized resolutions for commercial disputes.

Mr. Jean-Charles Albitre addressed the legal implications of contract termination and Force Majeure in international agreements. He explained the legal consequences of terminating a contract and stressed that parties should act strictly in accordance with the terms agreed upon in the MOU. Any action beyond the agreed framework, he noted, should be communicated to the other party in writing in advance. He also discussed the application of Force Majeure clauses and their legal effects on contractual obligations during exceptional circumstances.

The seminar concluded with an interactive Q&A session, during which participants exchanged views on international contract drafting, legal risk management, and strategies for maintaining business continuity under challenging conditions.

Spain – Barcelona:

Date: July 23, 2026

Venue: Valls Chamber of Commerce, Tarragona Province

A specialized business program in Spain began with a visit by the Iranian trade delegation to the Tarragona Industrial Park and the AR Food Manufacturing Factory, where participants gained first-hand insight into the company’s production processes, quality management systems, and modern manufacturing technologies. The visit also provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and explore potential areas of industrial and commercial cooperation between Iranian and Spanish companies.

Following the industrial visit, a specialized business forum was held at the Valls Chamber of Commerce in Tarragona Province, bringing together Iranian business delegates, company executives, and representatives of the Spanish private sector. The meeting aimed to strengthen bilateral economic cooperation, promote direct business-to-business (B2B) networking, and identify new opportunities for trade, investment, and long-term partnerships.

At the opening of the event, the Vice President of the Valls Chamber of Commerce welcomed the Iranian delegation and emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation between the private sectors of Iran and Spain. He highlighted the strong potential for industrial, commercial, and economic collaboration and expressed confidence that the meeting would contribute to sustainable business partnerships and increased bilateral trade.

Following the visit, Mr. Manel Fernandez, CEO of AR Food Trading Company, delivered a presentation on the business opportunities for trade and investment between Iran and Spain, while outlining the key requirements for the successful entry of Iranian companies into the European market.

Representatives and legal experts from the Valls Chamber of Commerce then presented the legal framework governing commercial contracts within the European Union. They also introduced the Chamber’s international activities, its experience in cooperating with foreign companies, and the support services available to investors and exporters. In addition, they shared practical recommendations for strengthening commercial ties and expanding business cooperation between Iranian and Spanish companies.

A highlight of the event was the participation of the President of the Spanish Women Entrepreneurs Association, who met with Iranian women entrepreneurs to exchange professional experiences and introduce their businesses. The session created valuable networking opportunities, strengthened business relationships, and opened new avenues for future cooperation, investment, and international market development, further reinforcing the role of women entrepreneurs in promoting economic diplomacy between Iran and Spain.

The program concluded with an exclusive business consultation session for the Iranian delegation, where participants received practical advice on entering the Spanish market, complying with European business regulations, expanding export activities, and establishing strategic partnerships with European companies. The session provided a strong foundation for future business negotiations and further strengthened commercial ties between the two countries.