Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Websites
Countries of professional Work and exposures
Participation in international Events
Contribution to policy/legal reform initiatives
Partnership in EU Erasmus+ Projects
Notable publications
Languages
Timeline
Generic

Atiqullah Nusrat

Summary

Driven and innovative professional with a passion for leadership and strategic thinking. Strong understanding of market analysis and business development, paired with skills in project management and financial planning. Dedicated to creating impactful solutions and fostering growth. Successful in seizing viable opportunities for expansion and innovation in business. Experienced in business development, team leadership, and strategic planning. Utilizes innovative problem-solving and market analysis to drive organizational growth and success. Demonstrates a track record of building and leading cohesive teams, adapting to changing business landscapes, and consistently delivering impactful results.

Overview

21
21
years of professional experience

Work History

Founder President/CEO

BizLinks Consulting and Marketing
10.2021 - Current
  • Organization Overview: www.bizlinks.com.tr
  • Delivered exceptional customer service by addressing client concerns promptly and effectively resolving issues.
  • Led the strategic planning process to define business goals and ensure alignment across all departments.
  • Conducted target market research to scope out industry competition and identify advantageous trends.
  • Created organization's mission and vision statements for use by employees.
  • Developed strong partnerships with other businesses to allow for collaboration and more significant opportunities for growth.

Managing Director

Interavrasya Logistics, International Transport and Foreign Trade
08.2022 - 10.2024
  • Strengthened client relationships with regular communication, timely project delivery, and high-quality services.
  • Increased overall company performance by implementing strategic management initiatives and streamlining operations.
  • Oversaw operations and provided corrective feedback to achieve daily and long-term goals.
  • Developed comprehensive business plans, outlining long-term goals and actionable steps toward success.

President & CEO

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries
07.2014 - 09.2019

Organization Overview: www.acci.org.af

  • Enhanced Chamber's performance by implementing strategic plans and overseeing daily operations.
  • Established a culture of accountability by setting clear expectations and holding individuals responsible for results.
  • Streamlined organizational processes by evaluating current systems and implementing improvements.
  • Strongly advocated for Afghan private sector and effectively addressed their needs and challenges.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with Afghan government and strategic partners.
  • Strengthened bilateral relations by engaging in high-level diplomatic missions.
  • Effectively represented Afghanistan private sector in regional and International level, and enhanced regional Economic cooperation.
  • Formulate innovative and effective initiatives to strengthen public-private partnerships, enhance FDI inflow, promote bilateral trade and ensure economic growth in the country.

Deputy CEO & COO

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries
08.2009 - 06.2014

Organization Overview: www.acci.org.af

  • Developed key operational initiatives to drive and maintain substantial organizational growth.
  • Created a positive work culture, resulting in increased employee satisfaction and retention rates.
  • Developed a high-performance executive team for improved productivity and efficiency.
  • Implemented cost-saving initiatives to reduce operational expenses without sacrificing quality.
  • Streamlined operational processes to boost efficiency, adopting innovative technologies and methodologies.
  • Established and maintained strong relationships with ACCI members and strategic partners.
  • Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
  • Managed budgets and financial forecasting to ensure fiscal responsibility and maintain profit margins.
  • Represented organization at conferences and events.

Senior Association Specialist & Government Liaison

USAID - Afghanistan Small and Medium Enterprise Development (ASMED)
06.2009 - 08.2009
  • Company Overview: Implement by DAI
  • Implement by DAI

Supervision Board Member & Credit, Risk, and Compliance Committee Member

Ghazanfar Bank - Afghanistan
02.2019 - 08.2021
  • Organization Overview: www.ghazanfarbank.com
  • Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
  • Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization''s fiscal health.
  • Fostered collaboration among board members, promoting open communication and shared decision-making.

Founder and Board Member

Afghanistan Dispute Resolution Center (ACDR)
11.2014 - 08.2021
  • Organization Overview: www.acdr.af
  • Established a successful platform by identifying market needs and developing innovative solutions.
  • Oversaw financial management activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow monitoring for improved financial stability.
  • Led the organization through successful branding effort, refreshing brand image to appeal to broader audience.
  • Built and maintained strong, cohesive team by recruiting top talent and fostering supportive work environment.

High Council Member & Governance and Compensation Committee Member

Agriculture Development Fund
11.2012 - 09.2019
  • Project Overview: www.adf-af.org
  • Collaborated with fellow council members to pass key policies benefiting local communities.
  • Oversaw committee assignments effectively, promoting collaboration among diverse stakeholders within the agriculture sector towards common goals.
  • Enabled partnerships with local businesses, fostering a supportive environment for economic growth.
  • Assisted the high council and the executive tem in identifying the right clients and businesses to be supported.
  • Assisted the high council in hiring qualified and competent executive team including ADF CEO and component directors.

Business Advisory Board Member

American University of Afghanistan
09.2018 - 09.2019
  • Organization Overview: www.auaf.edu.af
  • Facilitated knowledge exchange across industries by connecting the university officials with the private sector and contributed to the development of demand-driven educational curriculum for Business Administration Department.

Project Steering Committee Co-Chair

Advancing Afghanistan's Trade Project (AAT)
01.2017 - 09.2019
  • Project Overview: EU-funded three years project co-chaired by MoCI Details: www.intracen.org/AAT
  • Co-led the development of Afghanistan National Export Strategy (NES)
  • Developed strong working relationships with stakeholders, resulting in more effective collaboration among the stakeholders and streamlined decision-making.
  • Organized regular progress meetings with committee members to ensure alignment of goals, responsibilities, and expectations throughout each project lifecycle.
  • Effectively allocated resources within ACCI, ensuring optimal utilization while minimizing waste.


Co-Chair

Turkey-Afghanistan Business Council
06.2014 - 08.2021
  • Organization Overview: www.deik.org.tr
  • Organized regular bilateral business forums, B2B events and exchanged trade delegations to strengthen business relations and private sector interactions between Afghanistan and Turkey

Board Member

Afghanistan Red Crescent Society
10.2009 - 09.2019
  • Organization Overview: www.arcs.af
  • Collaborated with other board members to develop and execute programs and initiatives to advance organizational mission.
  • Assisted with development of organizational budgets and resource allocation plans.
  • Enhanced board effectiveness by implementing innovative strategies and best practices.
  • Reviewed financial reports, budgets, and audit results to monitor the organization''s fiscal health.
  • Served as advocate and ambassador for organization by fully engaging, identifying, and securing resources and partnerships to advance mission.


Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) Member

Afghanistan Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (AEITI)
01.2010 - 06.2015
  • Organization Overview: https://eiti.org/countries/afghanistan
  • Ensured the effective implementation of the initiative, collaborating closely with other MSG members and initiating effective policies.
  • Enhanced organizations access to a broader private sector members active in extractive industry.
  • Participated in international conferences and seminars providing reliable information about Afghanistan's extractive Industry.

Membership Promotion Director

Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
02.2006 - 06.2008
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering members to voice their ideas.
  • Implemented innovative services to effectively address the need of AICC members and ensure members satisfaction.
  • Initiated regular networking event to strengthen interactions among the AICC members.
  • Interacted well with members to build connections and nurture relationships.

Provincial Chambers' Relation Director

Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
09.2005 - 02.2006
  • Enhanced provincial chambers' collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
  • Established a culture of continuous improvement by fostering open communication channels and empowering provincial chambers to voice their needs.
  • Trained and guided provincial chambers staff to maintain high productivity and performance metrics.

IT Manager & Database Officer

Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
04.2004 - 08.2005
  • Developed custom IT solutions to address specific business needs, driving operational improvements and cost savings.
  • Collaborated with other departments to help meet IT needs and properly integrate and secure systems.
  • Streamlined processes through the automation of routine tasks, increasing team productivity and reducing manual effort.
  • Managed network and system performance, conducting troubleshooting, security patching, and maintenance.
  • Improved network efficiency by implementing new server configurations and optimizing system operations.
  • Developed and managed AICC's members database.
  • Managed and regularly updated AICC website.

Education

Master of Business Administration- With Thesis -

Istanbul Aydin University
Istanbul/Turkey
06-2022

Bachelor of Computer Science -

Preston University
Islamabad/Pakistan
01.2004

Project Management for Professionals -

American University of Afghanistan
Kabul/Afghanistan
01.2009

Certificate of Professional Competence - Logistics and Transportation Services

Ministry of Transport And Infrastructure
Istanbul/Turkey
01.2023

Skills

  • Team leadership
  • Project management
  • Strategic thinking and Vision
  • Entrepreneurial and innovative
  • Marketing
  • Team engagement
  • Negotiation
  • Goal setting
  • Staff management
  • Consulting
  • Business administration
  • Financial administration
  • Business development
  • Partnership building

Countries of professional Work and exposures

Turkey, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Australia, India, Canada, USA, Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Germany, UK, Czech Republic, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Belarus

Participation in international Events

  • Nov 2014 - London Conference on Afghanistan, Attended as a speaker on behalf of the Afghan Private sector
  • Oct 2016 - Brussels Conference on Afghanistan, Attended as a speaker on behalf of Private sector
  • Nov 2018 - Geneva Ministerial Conference on Afghanistan, attended as a Speaker on behalf of Private Sector
  • 2016 -2019 - Senior Officials Meetings (SOM) Attended three Consecutive Meetings as a speaker on behalf of the private sector. Held on annual basis in Presidential Palace and Chaired by the President of Afghanistan.
  • Nov 2018 - IRU (International Road Union) World Congress represented Afghan Private Sector. Held in Muscat /Oman
  • 2013 – 2017 - ICC World Chambers Congress , attended as a speaker on behalf of Afghanistan private sector in three consecutive events held on biannual basis in Doha/Qatar (2013), Turin/Italy (2015) and Sydney/Australia (2017)
  • Nov 2017 - RECCA VII (Regional Economic Conference on Afghanistan), attended as a speaker on behalf of the private sector. Held in Ashgabat/Turkmenistan
  • Oct 2018 - Passage 2 Prosperity (Investment Promotion Conference on Afghanistan), attended as a keynote speaker on behalf of the private Sector. Held in Mumbai/India by USAID Afghanistan.
  • 2013 – 2018 - Annual Afghan-US Business Matchmaking Conferences , attended as a keynote speaker on behalf of the Afghanistan private sector in five consecutive events. Held on annual basis in Washington DC by Afghan-American Chamber of Commerce.

Contribution to policy/legal reform initiatives

  • 2017-2019 - Development of “ Afghanistan National Export Strategy (NES)”. Co-chaired the Task force alongside the Minister of Commerce and ITC.
  • 2017-2019 - Establishment of the “Air Corridor Initiative” to Boost Afghanistan's Exports. Led the initiative on behalf of the private sector, collaborating closely with the Government and USAID to ensure its smooth implementation.
  • 2018-2019 - “Afghanistan Chambers' Law” Co-Chaired the Committee alongside the Minister of Commerce and Minister of Justice.
  • 2016-2018 - “Afghanistan Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Law”, Committee Member on behalf of the private sector.
  • 2016-2018 - Afghanistan Decent Work Country Program 2018-2022. Co-Chaired the Committee on behalf of the Employers, closely collaborating with the Ministry of Labor, Labor Union and ILO in developing the country program.
  • 2015-2019 - “Afghanistan's Private Sector Priority Reforms Initiative” Co-Chaired the Task force responsible for developing the11 priorities. And led the promotion and implementation of these priorities on behalf of the private sector.
  • 2015-2016 - Establishment of “ Afghanistan Commercial Dispute Resolution Center (ACDR)” to facilitate and effective and transparent alternative dispute resolution. Led the initiative on behalf of the private-sector, collaborating closely with HARAKAT to ensure its establishment.

Partnership in EU Erasmus+ Projects

  • 2020 – 2022 Project Partner Representing BizLinks, “Financial Education of Small Entrepreneurs with Special Consideration of Migrants”, The project is successfully implemented.
  • Nov 2021 – Nov 2023 Project Partner Representing BizLinks, “Developing Guidance for European Companies to Support their Staff with Migration Background”, The project is successfully implemented.
  • Sep 2022 – Aug2024 Project Partner Representing BizLinks, “Informal Entrepreneurship as a Sign of Lack of Social Inclusion in Further Education”, The project is successfully implemented.
  • Oct 2023 – Ongoing Project Partner Representing BizLinks, “Reducing the Skill Gaps of Freelancers Through Further Trainings in Europe”, The project is ongoing and ends in 2025.

Notable publications

MBA Thesis:

"The Effects of Peace and Stability on Foreign Direct Investment and Business Activities in Afghanistan"

Research Papers:

  • The Impacts of insecurity and instability on FDI inflow and Business Activities in Afghanistan.,
  • The Impacts of COVID-19 on Global Economy and its Influence on the Promotion of E-Commerce

Languages

English
Full Professional
Persian/Dari
Native or Bilingual
Uzbeki
Native or Bilingual
Turkish
Full Professional
Pashto
Professional Working
Urdu
Professional Working

Timeline

Managing Director

Interavrasya Logistics, International Transport and Foreign Trade
08.2022 - 10.2024

Founder President/CEO

BizLinks Consulting and Marketing
10.2021 - Current

Supervision Board Member & Credit, Risk, and Compliance Committee Member

Ghazanfar Bank - Afghanistan
02.2019 - 08.2021

Business Advisory Board Member

American University of Afghanistan
09.2018 - 09.2019

Project Steering Committee Co-Chair

Advancing Afghanistan's Trade Project (AAT)
01.2017 - 09.2019

Founder and Board Member

Afghanistan Dispute Resolution Center (ACDR)
11.2014 - 08.2021

President & CEO

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries
07.2014 - 09.2019

Co-Chair

Turkey-Afghanistan Business Council
06.2014 - 08.2021

High Council Member & Governance and Compensation Committee Member

Agriculture Development Fund
11.2012 - 09.2019

Multi-Stakeholder Group (MSG) Member

Afghanistan Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (AEITI)
01.2010 - 06.2015

Board Member

Afghanistan Red Crescent Society
10.2009 - 09.2019

Deputy CEO & COO

Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries
08.2009 - 06.2014

Senior Association Specialist & Government Liaison

USAID - Afghanistan Small and Medium Enterprise Development (ASMED)
06.2009 - 08.2009

Membership Promotion Director

Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
02.2006 - 06.2008

Provincial Chambers' Relation Director

Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
09.2005 - 02.2006

IT Manager & Database Officer

Afghanistan International Chamber of Commerce (AICC)
04.2004 - 08.2005

Master of Business Administration- With Thesis -

Istanbul Aydin University

Bachelor of Computer Science -

Preston University

Project Management for Professionals -

American University of Afghanistan

Certificate of Professional Competence - Logistics and Transportation Services

Ministry of Transport And Infrastructure
Atiqullah Nusrat