EN
8 September 2025 - 08:18 AMT

Businessman vows action to lift Armenians out of despair

In a message sent from the National Security Service (NSS) detention center, prominent businessman and philanthropist Samvel Karapetyan stated that it is possible to rapidly deliver concrete solutions aimed at improving the welfare of the people.

Karapetyan noted that Armenia annually imports around $4 billion more in goods than it exports.

“Jobs for everyone, prosperity for everyone.

A typical Armenian scene that reflects the authorities’ inaction: During the workday, in a small town or village, able-bodied and energetic Armenian men stand around, resorting to playing backgammon out of boredom—disheartened, reminiscing about past successes. People have been stripped of even the ability to dream of a better life.

The only ones responsible for this bleak reality are the current authorities—by failing to create dignified opportunities for our people, discouraging them, and destroying faith in a prosperous future.

Despite the severe conditions we face today, I can confidently state that we can very quickly implement effective and targeted solutions that will improve our people's welfare.

Armenia imports approximately $4 billion more than it exports each year. This points to immense potential for establishing local production and creating profitable investment programs—especially in the regions—providing residents with dignified employment.

In a very short time, we can attract major international investors with industrial capabilities, boost local businesses through targeted government support programs—not by interfering or taking a cut, but by genuinely encouraging growth.

Reforms in agriculture must be real and on the ground. There should be so much competition among processing companies that farmers finally earn a profit from their harvests, securing their families’ well-being.

Our agricultural products can also serve as a strong foundation for developing the food industry.

Within a few years, internationally recognized major companies should be present and operating in Armenia, which will enable a new level of growth in tourism and create improved conditions.

I am confident that these and many other economic initiatives can dramatically improve the quality of life for our people in a short time, end emigration, and ensure dignified jobs for all.

We’ll do it—in our own way,” the message concludes.

Samvel Karapetyan, a businessman and philanthropist currently under two-month detention, has announced the launch of a new political team. He emphasized that the emerging team will have its own approach, expressing openness to cooperation with like-minded individuals while rejecting politics that foster social division. Karapetyan also pointed out that many professionals within the current government structure do not share the authorities' values but have yet to find a way out of the current situation.