Pakistan Customs has launched a first trade facilitation program of its kind called “Authorized Economic Operators” through operationalization of the “AEO Pilot Project” at Karachi.

As per FBR, the program has been chalked out in line with best international 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 non-interference will be adopted by all government departments toward such trusted entities so that they could concentrate on the growth of their businesses.

The program is expected to facilitate traders and improve 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.

AEO Pilot Project is the first step that has been launch at Model Customs Collectorate of Port Mohammad Bin Qasim Karachi through the inclusion of M/s Artistic Denim Mills Karachi, a manufacturer-cum-exporter of the textile sector.

Initially, AEO Pilot Project has been launched at export stage and gradually other areas of supply chain will be brought under the Pilot Project and eventually AEO Program will be rolled out for the facilitation of business community.