The Armenian Diaspora must be regarded as not only a source of investments but also a sales market for Armenian products, economist Tatul Manaseryan said on Friday while presenting his report on economic growth and human capital development in Armenia.
He said that in their long-term development program the Armenian authorities should orient towards the Diaspora.
"The Armenia-Diaspora export cooperation program should involve the Commerce and Industry Chamber and all concerned NGOs. The government should also be involved as this will simplify the exportation process. Our products should be exported first of all to countries having big Armenian communities. This will be a guarantee of effective sale and return of earnings to Armenia in the form of investments in export-oriented productions," Manaseryan said.
Some people from the audience did not agree with Manaseryan and advised him not to overestimate the role of the Diaspora as a driver of Armenian exports. They said that many Diaspora Armenians have long been disappointed with their homeland and should not be regarded as potential consumers or investors.