That comes after President Barack Obama and Western leaders gave Iran a nuclear deal that dropped sanctions against the Islamic regime.
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Hassan Rouhani, who postponed a November visit to France because of the terrorist attacks that killed 130 in Paris that month, landed in the French capital on Wednesday.
Iran’s industry minister Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh said an agreement between French export-credit group Coface (COFA.PA) and the Iranian central bank signed this week was an important step in the right direction.
“France is available for Iran”, he said.
He told French business leaders that Iran was open for investment as he started a visit in France to revive business ties despite diplomatic differences.
One woman suspended herself from a bridge near the Eiffel Tower, with a banner reading: “Welcome Rouhani, executioner of freedom”.
Rouhani is reaching out to European businesses on the first visit by an Iranian president to Europe since 1999.
Access to the Iranian economy remains restricted by mostly USA sanctions, which limit the mechanisms for financial transactions.
Human Rights Watch criticised Iran on the death penalty and abuse of rights of women and minorities. “There are some sectors where we must work closer together”, said Matteo Renzi, Italian prime minister.
“France has announced that it is ready to once again enter Iran with a new energy and a new will. We have also come here today to welcome French entrepreneurs, investors to begin economic activities in Iran”.
“Iran’s needs are enormous”, said Pierre Gattaz, head of France’s Medef employers association.
Peugeot-Citroen, for example, was a major player in Iran’s vehicle market and negotiations for the deal it signed on Thursday had been underway since before the sanctions were lifted.
However, Mr Rouhani criticised European nations’ response to the refugee crisis, pointing out that Iran had welcomed 3 million refugees without complaint, compared to the just over a million across Europe.
But the multibillion-dollar deals carved out in Italy and France have also stirred opposition from rights groups and activists.
Khodakarami also said Air France and Dutch flagship KLM have already expressed their readiness to resume flights to Tehran.
Meanwhile, French manufacturer Peugeot said it had signed a joint venue with local carmaker Khodro to manufacture cars in Iran.
Iranian state TV said that as part of the deal with Airbus, 100 planes would be delivered to Iran over four years.
“Let us forget the resentment”, he said, calling for all sides to take advantage of the “positive atmosphere” after the removal of the sanctions.
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French president Francois Hollande and his Iranian counterpart held “restraint discussion” over the situation in the conflict-ravaged Arab country. Last week, Foreigh Minister Laurent Fabius visited Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia, Iran’s fierce rival, and Paris will shortly welcome the Saudi crown prince.
