iAdvisory Seminar: Doing Business in Iran

With sanctions on Iran lifted, business opportunities abound; here are a few reasons why businesses should consider this rising star of the Middle East: 
 
The Middle East's 2nd Largest Economy

• Iran is one of the most populous and resource-endowed countries in the Middle East. Despite sanctions, Iran’s GDP grew by 4.3% in 2014 to reach US$416.5 billion, making it the region’s second largest economy after Saudi Arabia.

 
Diversified Economy Relative to the Region

• Iran possesses the world’s fourth-largest and second-largest reserves of oil and natural gas respectively. Yet it has a diversified economy relative to the region, with oil and gas revenue accounting for only a quarter of its economic output.

 
Opportunities for Economic Growth

• The Iranian government has identified three sectors to grow the economy. These are i) oil & gas, ii) infrastructure and iii) tourism & hospitality. While developing its oil & gas production capacity is a priority, the government is also intensifying efforts to resolve its infrastructure needs, and at the same time, developing its tourism potential.

 
Attractive Legal Framework for Foreign Investors

• Iran’s Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Act (FIPPA) provides a legal framework for investment protection by foreign investors keen to invest in Iran, and is likely to provide the basis for attraction of foreign investments through PPP initiatives. Singapore has also signed a Bilateral Investment Treaty with Iran in February 2016. 

Seminar/Workshop/Event Highlights: 

1. Market knowledge and enhanced business prospects by gaining the latest insights on the market, direct from experts on Iran
2. Latest update on sanctions imposed on Iran and discussion on any possible grey areas and implications on trade and customs regulations
3. Discover promising trade and investment opportunities available to Singapore companies
4. Understand Iran’s financial ecosystem and banking facilities that companies could use for doing business in Iran.

Programme*
* programme subject to change without prior notice 

Time	Programme
9.00am	Registration and Networking
9.30am	Welcome Address by IE Singapore Mr Yew Sung Pei, Assistant Chief Executive Officer, IE Singapore
9.40am	IE Market Insight: Outlook on Iran and the Investment Opportunities Mr Nur Iman Aris, Centre Director, Middle East & Africa Group, IE Singapore
10.10am	Establishing a Business in Iran Mr Mohammad Reza Allahverdi, Managing Director, Elite Elements Pte Ltd
10.40am	Networking Tea Break
11.00am	Update on Sanctions Imposed on Iran Mr James Willn, Partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP Mr Durai Shunmugam, Partner, Stephenson Harwood (Singapore) Alliance
11.30am	Understanding Iran’s Banking System Mr Sanjay Uppal, CEO, StraitsBridge Advisors Pte Ltd
12.00pm	Q&A Panel Discussion- Doing Business in Iran Moderated by: Mr Nur Iman Aris, Centre Director, Middle East & Africa Group, IE Singapore Panellists:  His Excellency Mr Shamsher Zaman, Singapore’s Non-Resident Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, and Managing Director of Linker’s (Far East) Mr Mohammad Reza Allahverdi, Managing Director of Elite Elements Pte Ltd Mr James Willn, Partner, Stephenson Harwood Middle East LLP  Mr Durai Shunmugam, Partner, Stephenson Harwood (Singapore) Alliance  Mr Sanjay Uppal, CEO, Straitsbridge Advisors
12.45pm	End of Event

Who Should Attend: 
Business owners, key decision makers and business development managers with an interest in Iran.