Azi has Afghanistan’s back-up planned

Posted on 10. Nov, 2010 by in 1. Afghanistan, Bpeace Blog

Azimulhaq (Azi as we affectionately call him), appears as the stoic, mature Fast Runner of the Afghans on the Bpeace Apprentice Road Trip (BART).  Yet, bring him to a bowling alley and a whole new side of him emerges–his eyes light up, he throws his hands in the air and he even gives a yelp when he hits a few pins.

Azi is the co-owner of RAHA which offers IT services to local businesses, and computer training courses to individuals.

In Mazar, Afghanistan, RAHA is unique because it is locally-owned and operated.  Azi says this puts him at a disadvantage so the folks at Host Company Global Partners in Waltham, MA gave him guidance on how to compete against large, non-Afghan competition.  Azi learned about ways to deepen trust with his clients, strengthen his current services and increase revenue.  Back in Afghanistan, Azi will work  to focus RAHA and better manage the rapid expansion which is causing some growing pains.

Throughout his time in the U.S., Azi learned through a direct, hands-on approach.  For the first time, he learned about backup systems and the imperative role they play in most American companies. Azi was particularly interested in new ways of coping with computer viruses and how professional service firms manage their staff.

Watch how Azi plans to bring change to his company and community from his brief talk at the Bpeace Annual Meeting: http://ustre.am/_IBV2:vJj

A special thanks to all of Azi’s Host Companies:
Cooper & Dunham LLP
Fenton Communications
Global Partners LP
Morgan Stanley
PWC
Tech Networks of Boston

BART is partially funded by the U.S. Department of State, Office of Citizen Exchanges in the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

15 Comments

Kate Buggeln

11. Nov, 2010

Azi, I am so pleased to hear about the knowledge you gained about back-up systems. Loss of data as well as insecurity of data is a major business issue. If you can help solve this in Afghanistan it will create a more business ready environment. And with it will come more jobs!
Be well, Kate Buggeln

Robin Kramer

11. Nov, 2010

Azi, the young professionals at MTV LOVED speaking with you directly. If you recall, the first question asked in the room was directed to you about IT in Afghanistan. In this age of the internet with youtube, facebook, online program streaming and live news and chats…IT is of #1 importance. You are a key player in your business, in addition to being a lovely person!

All the best to you. Robin

Mojdeh B.

11. Nov, 2010

Azimulhaq, your speech touched everyone in the room. We wish you much success in growing Raha, and I personally look forward to the day you have reached 50 employees. That is going to be a big milestone.

I am looking forward to hearing the news of your Kabul’s office and winning contracts after contracts. I know you can do it!

Best wishes for you, your partner, Farangis, and all Raha’s employees.

mj

11. Nov, 2010

Azimi- I miss you! I am so happy that you found your trip to the U.S beneficial to help grow your business. I am also very glad that you are not thinking of becoming a professional bowler. :)
I look forward to staying in touch with you and helping you in any way I can in the future. All the best to you and your family and I look forward to seeing you again soon. -MJ

Mike K

11. Nov, 2010

It was wonderful to have you at TNB! I hope you learned from us as much as we did from you. Having access to the Internet will help Afghanistan prosper in the digital age, and you are making that happen. We are so fortunate to have been able to host you.

Best of luck, peace and salam

Mike

Randy Browning

11. Nov, 2010

Azi,
It was great to have you at PwC. I hope that you enjoyed your visit and gained some knowledge that will help you increase your success.

Truly a great honor to meet you. All the best wishes,
Randy

Jayne Cravens

11. Nov, 2010

Azi, I lived in Afghanistan for six months in 2007, and I heard from so many people and companies that need services such as yours. I am so glad you were able to come to the USA and learn from successful companies and business people. I know that computer viruses are a very big problem in Afghanistan because so many people use memory sticks. And I am so proud of all these companies that donated their time and resources to help you. I wish you great success!!

Ghani Farahi

11. Nov, 2010

Azimi Saheb salam, I am very happy to hear you are back home safe and sound. Working with you was a great experience for me and I learned a lot myself. I am sure some day you will be a very successful businessman. If I can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.
Good luck! Ghani

Iris Friedman

11. Nov, 2010

Azi,
Our time together in Boston is an experience I’ll carry with me because I learned so much from you. I wish you, your partner, and your employees at Raha the best of luck, and would be happy to help you in any way I can.
-Iris

Greg Tutunjian

12. Nov, 2010

Hi Azi,

I feel very fortunate to have been part of your trip to the U.S. I enjoyed every minute we spent together with Fahim, and you both opened my eyes to IT challenges and opportunities in Afghanistan. I know you’re up for both. (You and Fahim also introduced me to two Halal restaurants I will frequent now!)

I hope your experience at Global will prove useful to you and your colleagues. I’m available to support you at anytime as I know Jim is, too. Don’t hesitate to contact us.

Cheers,

Greg

Greg Tutunjian

12. Nov, 2010

Hi Azi,

We were with Ghani (of course) in Waltham last week, not Fahim. My apologies. A long week at a new job this week.

All the best to both you and Ghani.

Cheers,

Greg

Jamie Banks

12. Nov, 2010

Dear Azimulhaq, I support your goals as a business person to increase your country’s economic sustainability. By establishing your business you have in turn created jobs and investment which in turn increases economic growth. I also admire that you are in partnership with Farangis. Next time I see you I will know a few more words in Dari, so I can at least have a conversation with you in your own language!

Susan Labandibar

12. Nov, 2010

Azi, what a memorable experience to have you here. I especially liked our dialog about paying for services by the hour as opposed to by the job. It all gets down to a basic question: How much is our time worth?

All the best to you, Azi. Please take care.
Regards,
Susan

azimi

14. Nov, 2010

Hi
Expressed and affection of every one thank you
Truly unforgettable memories in my life you have with your
Allow the love, cooperation, hospitality and good conduct you, I sincerely express my thanks
I wish continued cooperation between our friendship for keeping alive the best way to respond to your kindness
I thank all of you
(Azimi)

Khristine Q.

17. Nov, 2010

Azi, it was such a privilege to meet you in New York. You spoke about some important things at the annual meeting – from paying taxes, to promoting the rights of women – that was very inspiring to hear!! Maybe you should enter politics one day :) I wish you all the luck in the world for your growing company!

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