Government cancels CIP cards for 2023

The government has cancelled all activities related to issuing Commercially Important Person (CIP) cards for 2023, according to a circular issued by the Export Promotion Bureau (EPB) today.
The government every year awards CIP status to businesspeople in recognition of their contributions to the country’s export and trade activities. 
A high official of the EPB, requesting anonymity, said they do not know the reasons behind this year’s cancellation and the instruction came from the commerce ministry.
Criteria for CIP selection typically include tax compliance, export volume and value, expansion into new markets, and loan management.
CIP cardholders enjoy several privileges, such as priority seats on government transport, invitations to national events, access to VIP lounges at airports and access to the secretariat.