FBR chief explains AEOs program: 'Trustworthy' business entities to be certified

Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) Chairman Shabbar Zaidi Friday said the federal government has launched first trade facilitation program of its kind under the name and banner of "Authorized Economic Operators (AEOs)."

The program has been chalked out in line with international best practices and in accordance with WCO security standards. Under the said program, the government will certify trustworthy business entities which could demonstrate that 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 the growth of their businesses.

To highlight the spirit of AEO Program, the chairman FBR and member customs (policy) convened a meeting in FBR headquarters of all government departments and border agencies who were taken on board on the said program that will substantially reduce the cost of doing business for the trade and industry.

Shabbar Zaidi informed the participants that AEO Program was a great step towards traders 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.

Muhammad Javed Ghani, Member Customs (Policy), requested the participants from all government departments to come forward for feedback to chalk out an attractive AEO Program that could meet maximum aspirations of the trade and industry. The representatives from government departments i.e. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF), Engineering Development Board (EDB), Ministry of Industries, Home Departments Sindh & KP, Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory Authority, Pakistan Quality Standards & Quality Certification Authority (PSQCA), Climate Change and PEMRA appreciated the AEO initiative and agreed that it was the first initiative of its kind which aims at recognition of trusted business partners at the federal government level and entails benefits from all government departments. Such unique initiative, the participants added, has great potential to boost businesses which are the backbone of national economy. The chairman FBR briefed the participants that initially, AEO Program will be implemented on export stage that will not only boost national exports, but will also play a vital role in job creation. Subsequently, ambit of AEO Program will be extended to other sectors of the economy for maximum facilitation and priority treatment by all government departments.