Hayern Aysor’s interlocutor, Egyptian-Armenian Eduard Manoukian is a rheumatologist. He has also been producing and exporting drugs for nearly 33 years now. For years, he has worked with several Egyptian pharmacies, and he has been representing some of those pharmacies in Armenia and in the region for almost 14 years. However, according to Eduard Manoukian, his key objective is to establish a company in Armenia.

Eduard Manoukian: This year we opened a representation in Armenia called “Marckyrl Armeni”. From now on, we will be able to import Egyptian products and raw materials for drugs to Armenia and produce drugs with Armenian companies. The label will read “Made in Armenia”. We will be able to sell our products in Armenia and the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) by taking advantage of Armenia’s accession to the Union.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Manoukian, what are the opportunities of making investments in the pharmaceutical field in Armenia?

E. M.: Armenia has five pharmacies that have high-level products. Armenia has everything to become a center for pharmaceutical manufacturing. There are people and specialists who have the relevant knowledge and education, and all they need to do is grow and gain more knowledge. They are ready to work. All they need is the opportunity. We can succeed in this field and enter the markets of neighboring countries by using their potential.

Hayern Aysor: How did you come up with the idea of establishing a company in Armenia?

E. M.: As I mentioned, our company has been working in this region for the past 14 years. it has branches in different countries, and we wanted to open a representation in this region as well. My partners know I am Armenian, and I often tell them about the Armenians. This was also the reason why we chose Yerevan, even though it was very easy to open an office in Moscow.

This obviously says a lot about how much trust we have in Armenia. When I met with RA Minister of Diaspora Hranush Hakobyan, I shared a story that I would like to share with you as well.

When we were establishing the company and signing an agreement drawn up in Armenian, the company’s general director (I only own 25 percent of the shares) signed the agreement without knowing what was written in it. Later, he told me to translate the agreement and bring it to him. This goes to show the trust that foreigners have in our nation.

We need to try to maintain their trust and set a good example so that we can succeed.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Manoukian, I believe the Armenian community of Egypt has also played a huge role in that since it has managed to make Armenia and the Armenians recognized in Egypt.

E. M.: The Armenians are much loved and respected in Egypt. We have not had any problems throughout all these years.

For the past 70 years, the Armenian community of Egypt has had the status of a religious community that is led by the community’s legislative bodies (Assembly of the Council of the Armenian Diocese of Egypt, diocesan councils in Cairo and Alexandria) and executive bodies (political councils in Cairo and Alexandria).

The Egyptian government grants citizenship and the passport of a diplomat to the leader of the community, who is nominated by Etchmiadzin and elected by the National Assembly.

In Egypt we have a Prelacy, schools and churches. We also publish Armenian-language dailies. We are free, and our only problem is quantity. Due to circumstances, throughout these years, the Armenians of Egypt have moved to different countries. However, despite that, the community remains strong.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Manoukian, now I would like for you to talk about your pro-national activities.

E. M.: The Armenians of Egypt are based in Cairo and Alexandria. There are more Armenians in Cairo where the Armenian Prelacy is located. As I mentioned, both cities have national councils, each of which are composed of 24 delegates elected by the people.

Currently, I am the treasurer of the National Council of Alexandria and have been the leader for relations between the community and the government for nearly three years.

All Armenians of Egypt are employed, but that doesn’t stand in their way of carrying out pro-national activities.

Hayern Aysor: Mr. Manoukian, when was the first time you visited Armenia?

E. M.: When I was 13, I was given the opportunity to visit Armenia as a good student. I stayed in Armenia for almost 40 days and visited many sites. I remember that I returned with great impressions.

My next visit was in 2002. Due to my job, I would visit Armenia about four times a year. Now, I visit Armenia for 10-15 days.

Hayern Aysor: Have you noticed changes throughout these years?

E. M.: Yes, but Armenia still has a lot to do. If people have jobs, they won’t emigrate. It will be very easy to turn Armenia into a small Switzerland.

This past week, I had very important meetings with different officials who expressed willingness to help us with anything and assist in the implementation of our initiatives. An official from the RA Ministry of Economic Development and Investments told me the Ministry was ready to greet investors at the airport. This is a major approach. If the government manages to win the hearts of Diaspora Armenians and bring them to Armenia with investments, we will win a lot.

How many Armenians are there abroad today? They are all pro-national and can help Armenia in some way. We need to encourage them. If we join hands, we can make this country flourish. All we need is teamwork. We need to work together for the welfare of Armenia.

For Armenians in Canada, the United States and Lebanon, Armenia is their homeland. We shouldn’t help Armenia with talk, but action. It is very easy to talk from a distance.

Helping the Homeland has to be a duty for each and every one of us. We must not expect anything from Armenia. We need to give something to Armenia.

Lusine Abrahamyan