My Way Home

06.03.2018
Repat Story
Harmik Manaserian
Harmik Manaserian
 
Harmik Manaserian moved to Armenia in 2010 from Iran. He is the owner of Harmik Motors LLC in Armenia which produces engine rebuilding machines and is leading its way to be recognized worldwide. 

Harmik is also the founder of FindMe.am, which is the first Panarmanian business platform that aims to build up a strong business family network to connect Armenians globally.

Born and raised in Iran, Harmik got his education in Vienna, Austria. Then his path took him back to Iran, where he founded his own successful business in the machinery industry. 

In 2003 he visited Armenia for the first time. Still being on a visit, he bought a land to build his own home in Armenia. As soon as the construction process ended, Harmik and his family made the move. 

‘’When I first visited Armenia, I felt the desire to come back again and again. It didn’t take me too long to realize that I need to buy a land and build my own home. In 2010 my family and I moved in’’.

When talking about the opportunities that this small country can offer to any business, Harmik mentions the most important ones: 

Armenia is a perfect soft landing for any kind of business. We have the world’s two major actors Russia and Iran with their huge markets next to us. So, the expression ‘’small market, no opportunities’’ is not relevant, at least, in my opinion. Also, we, Armenians, have built up our reputation as one of the smartest people around, which is a great asset. 

Next, we are one of the safest countries in the world and it’s a proven fact. Besides, we have the easiest procedure for opening/registering a business, applying for citizenship/residency and etc. And things get better day by day and we can actually see and feel that. Armenia is perfect, not only business-wise. Here you can breathe the fresh air, enjoy your conversations, morning coffees, time with your family. It’s cheaper here and as a matter of fact, retirement in Armenia with your American pension can be a part of your ‘’dreams come true’’ series’’. (Smiles)

Armenia, of course, has also a lot of challenges to overcome. As Manaserian says,
"We have to think and act collectively. We should realize that Armenia is the place to be, live and create something new. Having said that I, first of all, want to mention the Diaspora, who was criticising Armenia for 75 years. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, they still continue their life and of course, not in Armenia. My parents were born in the historical Armenian village called Salmast in Iran. Now, when I go back there, nothing can remind me of its Armenian past. You can see churches destroyed, houses populated with non-Armenians. Who should we blame on? We are the ones who take care of our heritage and culture. So, I’m asking everyone, who else is going to develop our homeland if not us? 

On the other hand, we can see that there is a lot of immigration from Armenia. I strongly believe that if you fail in your business, it means that you weren’t fully prepared for all the ups and downs of the market. It’s a normal thing to happen, some people succeed and others don’t. But spreading the negativity and blaming a whole country for that, I think, is pointless’’.

Harmik founded FindMe.am to create the first Panarmanian business network platform to promote Armenian businesses to find other partners and services offered by Armenians globally.  

The platform is in its first stage of operation, but Harmik is sure, that it’s going to be the start of something great. 
 
Posted by Rima Yeghiazarian

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