ISLAMABAD: The government launched first-of-its-kind trade facilitation programme “Authorised Economic Operator (AEO)” to reduce cost of doing business for industry and trade.

The programme was chalked out in line with best international practices and the World Customs Organisation security standards, according to an official announcement issued on Friday.

Under the said programme, the government will certify trustworthy business entities which demonstrate they are credible, secure and have a clean history of compliance with national laws and, in return, a policy of maximum facilitation will be adopted by all government departments toward such trusted entities so that they could concentrate on business growth.

To highlight the spirit of Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) Programme, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) chairman and Customs (Policy) Member convened a meeting of all government departments and border agencies at the FBR headquarter to take them on board.

FBR Chairman Shabbar Zaidi informed the participants that AEO Programme was a great step towards trader facilitation and ease of doing business as “red tapism” of government departments will be replaced with “red carpet” for the trustworthy business entities, and will provide enabling environment for the business community to achieve their maximum potential.

He briefed the participants that initially, the AEO programme will be implemented on export stage that will not only boost national exports, but also play vital role in job creation.

Subsequently, he said the ambit of the programme will be extended to other sectors of the economy for maximum facilitation and priority treatment by all government departments.

Customs Member Javed Ghani requested participants from all government departments to come forward for feedback to chalk out an attractive AEO Programme that could meet maximum aspirations of the trade and industry.

The representatives from government departments appreciated the AEO initiative and agreed that it was the first initiative of its kind which aims at recognition of trusted business partners at federal level and entails benefits from all government departments.

Published in Dawn, November 23rd, 2019