Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, CEO of IT Park Uzbekistan, held a meeting with representatives of three Afghan companies — Yarqin Mirzad, Horizon Bridge Consulting (HBC), and Yanqi Yul — at the Ayritom Free Economic Zone in the city of Termez. The meeting was also attended by senior representatives of the regional structures of the Ministry of Digital Technologies and local government authorities.
Cooperation Between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan
The meeting focused on key areas of collaboration between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan in the field of information technology. The agenda included the development of IT infrastructure in Afghanistan, the implementation of online education initiatives, the integration of Afghan talent in international IT projects, and the promotion of IT services exports.
Yarqin Mirzad: Digital Bridge Between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan
In discussions with Mirahmad Nabizada, CEO of Yarqin Mirzad, and Abdulakhad Kuchkarov, the parties explored potential cooperation in the development of IT infrastructure in Afghanistan, including the deployment of advanced technologies, the establishment of conditions conducive to IT service export, and the exchange knowledge aimed at enhancing digital accessibility in remote areas. The sides also discussed prospects for involving Afghan IT professionals in international IT initiatives.
Founded in 2021 in Sheberghan (Jowzjan Province), Yarqin Mirzad is a leading Afghan internet service provider and technology firm. The company ranks among the top five official resellers of Etisalat Afghanistan, operates in nine provinces, and maintains a network of 20 branches and over 400 sub-branches. With more than 150 full-time employees and 400 commission-based agents, the company’s total investment has exceeded $1 million. In addition to its active development of fiber-optic infrastructure, IT support services, and software solutions, Yarqin Mirzad also implements educational programs aimed at youth empowerment.
Horizon Bridge Consulting (HBC): International Experience and Innovation
During discussions with Shafay Sami, Regional Director of Horizon Bridge Consulting, the participants reviewed prospects for collaboration in the field of e-commerce between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. In addition, potential cooperation in the provision of legal and financial advisory services to facilitate the activities of IT Park in Afghanistan was discussed.
Founded in 2010 in Kabul, HBC is an international consulting firm specializing in strategic management, innovation, digital transformation, artificial intelligence integration, and cybersecurity. The company employs over 500 consultants representing 75 countries and operates in 45 global locations. HBC is also actively engaged in educational and social initiatives and leads numerous projects in the fields of talent development and international cooperation.
Yanqi Yul: Education and Youth Involvement in IT
During the meeting with Zehrollah Rahimi, CEO of Yanqi Yul, discussions centered on the joint implementation of online education programs targeting youth, with a focus on developing digital competencies and IT skills. Opportunities were also considered for Afghan students to participate in educational and internship programs administered by IT Park.
Yanqi Yul is a private educational institution and initiative dedicated to promoting digital literacy and youth engagement in the IT sector. The organization delivers training programs designed to enhance computer skills and prepare young professionals for careers in the digital economy. Yanqi Yul maintains active partnerships with academic institutions and supports national initiatives in the field of IT education for Afghan youth.
The meeting in Termez represents a significant milestone in strengthening international IT collaboration between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. IT Park Uzbekistan remains committed to fostering a robust innovation ecosystem that brings together talented professionals and technology companies from across the region. Cooperation with Yarqin Mirzad, HBC, and Yanqi Yul opens new avenues for the export of digital services, knowledge exchange, and the joint implementation of large-scale projects, contributing to the sustainable growth of Central Asia’s digital economy and deepening bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
