FACTS
Born on March 31, 1972.
Studied at the Yerevan Architectural and Construction Institute from 1988 to 1993, qualification — engineer-economist.
Worked at the Yerevan Cognac Factory (YCF), part of the Pernod Ricard group, from 1998 to 2016 as an expert accountant, chief accountant, financial director, deputy executive director, and executive director.
Since September 20, 2016, he has been the Minister of Agriculture of Armenia.
Served in the Armed Forces of Armenia.
Candidate of Economic Sciences.
In 2015, awarded the gold medal of the Minister of Agriculture of Armenia for achievements in agriculture.
Non-partisan.
Married with three sons.
“I have always believed in my abilities”
-Mr. Arakelyan, how did you accept the offer to work as the Minister of Agriculture?
- It was very unexpected for me. I never thought that one day I would become a public servant. Nevertheless, I accepted the offer and must do everything to achieve success in the agricultural sector.
-Naturally, before your appointment, you had a different understanding of the existing problems. How did you assess your strengths at first, and how do you assess them now after diagnosing the sector?
- I have always believed in my strengths, as there has never been a case in my entire career where I could not achieve the desired results and the goals set before me:
Ignati Arakelyan
Photo from personal archive
As you rightly pointed out, the problems and challenges of the entire agricultural system of the republic cannot be imagined from the outside, but I am still convinced that we can achieve the desired results. Of course, this is a long-term task. You cannot radically change any sector in half a year or a year, but we can outline our path, walk that path, and show results every year.
-It is true that you have been working in the public system for a short time, however, is it more pleasant to work in the public or private sector?
- Naturally, working in the private sector is easier, and the pleasure of work, in my opinion, is related to habit. I know people who have worked all their lives in the public system and cannot imagine their lives without this structure. Perhaps in a few years, I will also have such an assessment, but today, based on my experience in the private sector, I must note that it is more flexible.
-What are the main difficulties of working in the public system?
- The problem is not in complexity, but in the feeling of responsibility towards society, which makes everything move very slowly. And the public is very vigilant in providing correct and fair solutions to existing problems.
-What is your vision for the development of the sector?
- The world is changing very quickly, and so are the requirements. Every day you need to prove that you are competitive. It is already a fact that agrarian reforms have no alternative for us; we must move forward with rapid steps, form a new mindset with which we will succeed in agribusiness. Despite the existence of long-term programs, we must solve existing operational issues as soon as possible.
In my opinion, it is also a priority to launch the “state-producer-processor” chain as soon as possible. We are trying to find effective mechanisms for farmers to unite and try to organize their business together. This way, work will be more efficient, costs will be minimized, the cost of produced agricultural products will decrease, and we will be able to be competitive not only in Armenia but also abroad.
We must set a high bar and strive to reach it.
-What principle do you follow?
- Always find a way to solve the problem.
“I continue to be who I have always been”
- The tie, due to work, has almost always accompanied you. What has changed in your life with the ministerial position?
- Nothing. I continue to be who I have always been. In general, no side or additional label has ever affected my personality or character.
- In one of our previous conversations, when you were appointed as the director of YCF, you officially introduced yourself as Igor Arakelyan. Which form of address is more familiar to you — Igor or Ignati?
- My name in the passport is Ignati, but in the circle of friends and close ones, I am always called Igor. Both options are acceptable to me, but now, considering the need for documentary accuracy, I decided to leave only my official name.
The start and end of the minister's day
-How does your day start?
- My day starts with a cup of coffee with my wife, then breakfast with my family, after which, already at the ministry, the work process begins with morning assignments, current events, and stretches until late at night.
Wife and sons of Ignati Arakelyan
Photo from personal archive
- And what is the end of your day like?
- After work, I go home, and if family members are awake, we talk and discuss their day.
On weekends, they also have very little time left. If I have free time, I spend it with my family or meet with friends. We have a dog named Steve, and sometimes, to gather my thoughts, I go for a walk with him.
- Can you tell us about your dog?
- Steve is a full-fledged sixth member of our family. Now he misses me a lot too. When I come home, he is the first to greet me.
Dog of Ignati Arakelyan Steve
Photo from personal archive
Keeping a dog at home was my wife's idea. She believes that this is a very important step in raising children.
About the family
- How did you meet your wife?
- It was a very random meeting and acquaintance. When I was finishing the institute and went to get my diploma, I saw her in the university corridor and ... I went after her. That’s how we met, and less than a year later, we got married.
Ignati Arakelyan with his wife
Photo from personal archive
- And what does your wife do?
- My wife is a physiotherapist by profession, she worked at the international rehabilitation center “Gracia” of the Red Cross.
- And the sons?
- My sons are students. The eldest studies at the medical university. The other two are twins, one studies architecture, the other — at the agrarian university. We did not interfere in their choice of profession; it is their choice, so they are responsible for their education and strive to study well so as not to regret their professions in the future.
- What do you talk about with your sons?
- We are friends. I have always had friendly relations with my sons so that they can discuss their problems and questions of interest with me. The topics of our conversations are diverse — from their personal and student life to classes or future careers.
Sons of Ignati Arakelyan
Photo from personal archive
Recently, I discussed many common issues with my son studying at the agrarian university, exchanging thoughts and opinions. I am interested in his point of view as a young representative of the field.
About preferences
- What hobbies do you have?
- I currently have no time for hobbies. I have been involved in sports all my life — wrestling, karate, aikido, and I have belts and diplomas, but it was purely amateur.
- What conditions do you need for relaxation?
- Silence. But it can last for two or three days, after which I prefer active rest. If I am abroad, I like to walk around the sights and historical places, among people, to understand how they live, work, and how the connection between the people and the country is created.
- What genre of music accompanies you during the day?
- Any music that I want to listen to at that moment, depending on my mood. I can go to a classical music concert, a jazz concert, or an opera performance.
- Do you ever cook?
- No. My wife doesn’t let me (laughs — author). She thinks I interfere with her in the kitchen, so I am only a consumer there.
Ignati Arakelyan
Photo from YCF archive
- What drink do you prefer?
- Any quality drink. I am more interested in the method of preparation of the drink, the technologies, the culture of consumption. Perhaps this is due to the fact that I worked for many years in a company where the culture of drink production was the most important. I prefer cognac, whiskey, tequila, wine, or vodka. This also depends on the environment and my mood at that moment.
Interview with Ignati Arakelyan by Siranush Yeghiazaryan
