Started in 2013, British Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BACCI) is the oldest and biggest private sector led independent and non-governmental organisation promoting bilateral trade, investment and business exchange between Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.
Vision & Mission
Since its inception, BACCI has paved the way, and has been an active and influential player in fostering a healthy environment for trade, business and economic cooperation between Afghanistan and United Kingdom.
BACCI is working for a strong bilateral relationship between Afghanistan and the United Kingdom based on trade, investment and business, where citizens of both nations mutually benefit.
Vision:
To facilitate bilateral trade, investment and business between United Kingdom and Afghanistan based on pro-business, free-market and trade-first policies.
Mission:
To be the leading industry organisation serving, representing and protecting the interests of our members, and getting business done between United Kingdom and Afghanistan.
Our Leadership
Our organisation is led by its diverse and expert board of directors, executive committee and advisory council. The board of directors provides strategic direction and oversight. The advisory council provides strategic advice on matters concerning the chamber and the management committee is responsible for everyday operations of the organisation.
MOHAMMAD HOTAK
Founder & Chairman
Dr Hotak is a medical doctor turned serial social entrepreneur, philanthropist and young leader, who is driven by his passion to find solutions for the many challenges our society faces. He is a strong tri-sector leader with extensive experience in the public, private and non-governmental sectors. As a serial entrepreneur, he has founded, sits on the board of and has led Hotak Healthcare, Invest In Great Britain, UK Asia Trade & Investment Council, Afghan Business Association UK, Afghan Council of Great Britain and World Afghan Congress. Dr Hotak is a national and internationally renowned speaker in the media, think-tanks, academia, conferences and seminars on innovation, entrepreneurship, international trade, foreign direct investment and leadership. He holds an MBChB in Medicine from Leeds Medical School and certifications in International Organisation Management, Smart Business Growth, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. As the founder and chairman, Dr Hotak is responsible for the organisation’s strategy, overseas its management and builds its partnerships with stakeholders from the public, private and non-governmental sectors.
MARYAM ATMAR
Director
Ms Atmar is one of the founding members of the British Afghan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and comes from a strong background in investment management, entrepreneurship and philanthropy. Having worked for Bank of America and Wells Fargo, she has extensive experience in real estate, stocks, bonds and investment funds management. Ms Atmar is currently the CEO of global consulting firm MAIH Group, director at the Afghanistan Investment Fund and Afghana Foundation. She leads BACCI’s global partnerships and foreign affairs relations with a special focus on USA and Canada. She has a BA in Psychology from George Mason University and accredited professional qualifications in accounting and banking management from American Institute of Banking Investors.
JOHN BENNETT
Director
John Bennett trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and then served in the British Army as a Commissioned officer. He carried out operations in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Belize and Oman. He retired as a Major and started his commercial career in the textile trade. John held a number of commercial appointments and in 2003 was invited to work for a company in Iraq in support of the Coalition Forces. He was then appointed as a senior manager based in Iraq working on the Prime Vendor contract for the supply of food and rations throughout the Country. In 2011 John started working for a Logistics company in Kabul. From there he progressed to a management position for a Western company supplying all the fuel and food for the US Forces. In this role he operated not only from Kabul but also extensively on the North West border at Torghundi and Hairaton. John then went back to working in the Afghan private sector as the Commercial Director for a geotechnical company and then again in the logistics sector both in Helmand and Kabul. Consequently John has strong background of operating in Afghanistan and currently spearheading our “Buy From Afghanistan” initiative.
HASSAN KHAN NASIR
Director
Mr. Nasir is a talented and passionate business leader with over 10 years of experience in British-Afghan trade and commerce. He has extensive experience in imports and exports between United Kingdom and Afghanistan. Prior to joining BACCI, Mr Nasir has been the visionary, business development and marketing mind behind the success of Shadizai & Brothers group of companies. He is an independent business consultant on British-Afghan exports and imports, an active member of the British Afghan community and a Member of Board of Directors at BACCI. He is fluent in English, Pashto, Dari and Urdu and has deep understanding of Asian business affairs. Mr Nasir holds Bachelor of Business of Administration.
PRIYANKA AGARWAL
Director
Ms Agarwal comes from a strong background in management buyouts, private equity and debt transactions. Coming from a strong background in finance, she leads our investment committees. Previously, she has worked for Invest In Great Britain, Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs in its mergers and acquisitions department for over 15 years. Ms Agarwal holds a BSc in Finance from London School of Economics and Political Science, and an MBA from Stanford University.