Pavlos Tamvakis: The Youth of SAE

Photo Catherine Tsounis Pavlos Tamvakis

"I am my father's son," Pavlos Tamvakis said at a recent international conference. "Whatever I do reflects on him." His father is Stefanos Tamvakis, president of SAE.

The young businessman is making a positive image in the international community. Tamvakis is a lowkey individual with a smile. He is a humble person who mingles with all generations with ease.

"My family comes from Limnos," he explained. "This summer I plan to visit the island for the first time. We have lived in Alexandria, Egypt for 100 years. I come from an international community. We have strong ties with Greece. We are part of the ancient Greek business community that produced the poet Cavafy. My family has photos of famous Greeks who lived in our community.

"Our community is different from Greek American society. In America, the Greek immigrant assimilates into the American mainstream rapidly. We, in Alexandria, did not want to lose our Greek identity and citizenship. We have kept our Greek language and culture alive."

Throughout the Hermes Expo, Tamvakis participated in dialogue with international businessmen. His English is excellent, giving the impression that he is a part of Greek-American society. 'I went to college in England," he explained. "In Egypt, I attended a French school. I am fluent in French, English, Italian and Arabic. My city of Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great. It is Alexander's City. Greek is seen in the airport. The name Alexandria is written in Greek. Our language is admired by the Arab community. Currently, in Alexandria's harbor, excavations on antiquities are taking place. Most of the diving operations are accomplished by Greek divers from Greece."

Tamvakis revealed that he had a normal childhood, playing with other children of the European business community. "My father visited Aristotle Onassis' ship, the Christina, as a child. In 1956, when Nasser nationalized private industry, the majority of Europeans left. Our factory had its equipment seized. My grandfather was involved in a bakery. He had to start from the beginning, manually baking products without machinery. We were allowed to stay and keep our business because of our assistance to the British Armed Forces during W.W. II. Our factory of food products began in 1905."

Communicating with Pavlos Tamvakis gave an insight into the Greek- Egyptian community of 2007. His community is totally different from the Greek community in America. They maintain strong Greek roots and membership in SAE. Pavlos Tamvakis said farewell to all by quoting his father: "Inside of us is an Odysseus hiding."

Visit the following links: www.tradekey.com/profile view/uid/685387/Med izone- Pharmaceuticals.htm, Pavlos Tamvakis, representative of Medizone Pharmaceuticals; www.stgeorgesegypt.com/ the_company.htm, Tamvakis' family business in Alexandria, Egypt, or www.saeworld.org, The World Council of Hellenes Abroad (SAE) Web site.

- Catherine Tsounis