8 DEC 2023 · PROSPERITY
The full digitalisation of TIR, regional activities and new countries topped the agenda today during a meeting between IRU’s Secretary General and UNECE’s Executive Secretary.
Following their first meeting, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto and UNECE’s new Executive Secretary, Tatiana Molcean, discussed the 2024 activities for TIR at the IRU Secretariat in Geneva today.
Umberto de Pretto and Tatiana Molcean exchanged on measures to help TIR countries advance towards full digitalisation with eTIR, which is poised to further elevate the tried-and-tested benefits of the only global transit system. eTIR will further strengthen the key pillars of TIR: efficiency, security and transparency.
Concerning regional activities, Central Asian countries have shown a strong tendency to digitalise all transit and transport systems. Comprised of landlocked countries, eTIR will build on the work of TIR: turning landlocked countries into land-linked regional trade and transit hubs.
China is another key country where TIR is boosting the efficiency and security of trade and transit. Since its implementation in China in 2018, TIR has brought more efficient and secure east-west connectivity to China. TIR now connects China to over 30 countries across Eurasia. IRU and UNECE discussed practical measures to further expand its use in China and the region.
The Middle East, particularly the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), also continues to show significant promise for further TIR development and expansion. The implementation of TIR in Egypt and Iraq, as well as further reinforcing growth in existing TIR countries, is a key focus for 2024.
On the other side of the globe, South America remains a focus for 2024. Brazil maintains its keen interest to accede to TIR, a development that could unlock TIR in the region, with several South American countries having already acceded to TIR.
Umberto de Pretto and Tatiana Molcean also exchanged on collaboration opportunities with other international organisations.
What is TIR?
The TIR system enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs via a multilateral, mutually recognised system.
TIR streamlines procedures at borders, reducing the administrative burden for customs authorities and for transport and logistics companies. It cuts border waiting times significantly, saving time and money.
