Reuters reported on Friday that the French cosmetics retailer Sephora, which runs around 2,000 outlets worldwide, plans to open several shops in Iran following the recent nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and six world powers and the ensuing lifting of anti-Tehran sanctions.
In reaction, Fazeli told the Tasnim News Agency that he is unaware of such a brand’s operation in the country, adding, “Up until today, no foreign brand has referred to Iran’s Chamber of Guilds (to obtain licenses) for its business activity.”
If the brand’s operation is within the country’s laws and regulations, the Chamber has no problem issuing licenses for any one, he stressed.
“We are obliged to give license to anyone who has an official permission from the Iranian administration,” Fazeli further said.
The promising prospect of trade with Iran has prompted giant firms from around the world to explore the market potential in the populous Middle East nation.
The developments came as Iran and the Group 5+1 (Russia, China, the US, Britain, France and Germany) on July 14 reached a conclusion on a lasting nuclear agreement that would terminate all sanctions imposed on Tehran over its nuclear energy program after coming into force.