The Impact of Authorized Economic Operator Status on Business Simplification

Within the ambit of the USAID Economic Governance Program, the streamlined "Business Customs Procedures" initiative has been launched. This is grounded on the Association Agreement that Georgia has signed with the European Union.

Acquisition of the Authorized Economic Operator (AEO) status will empower businesses to leverage simplified procedures not just domestically, but in foreign territories as well. Natalia Beruashvili, who leads the USAID's Economic Governance Program, shared these insights with the "Business Partner" program.

Beruashvili cites a recent study conducted under the auspices of the IUGBC grant, which delves into corporate business processes and their risk qualification competencies. The findings underscore that one of the primary barriers is a dearth of information.

During the study, 70 companies were contacted and it was ascertained that there is a pressing need to disseminate more information about this beneficial program.

"Our program is primarily aimed at fostering dialogue and collaboration between the public and private sectors. It's essentially predicated on cooperation," elaborates Beruashvili.

As per Beruashvili, partnering with business associations and the Revenue Service will be instrumental in optimizing the utilization of the program.