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Construction work has begun on the reconstruction of the “Artyk” and “Sarahs awtoyollary” customs posts on the Turkmen-Iranian border. The State Customs Service of Turkmenistan is overseeing the construction, which is consistently working to increase the throughput capacity of border customs posts and improve the quality of customs services.

According to the Service’s website, construction work will be carried out by the private company “Ojar Asia” in 2025–2026.

The plan is to completely reconstruct the existing customs checkpoint buildings, as well as widely implement digital systems and automate customs procedures.

As a result, conditions will be created for a significant reduction in the time spent on customs control of vehicles and an increase in transit cargo.

We previously reported that reconstruction of the “Serhetabat” customs post on the Turkmen-Afghan border had begun.

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Ashgabat, November 12. A video message from Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of the International Union of Road Transport (IRU), was delivered at the plenary session of the International Conference on Transport and Transit Corridors. His presentation on “Global Transport and Logistics: Challenges and Opportunities” highlighted Turkmenistan’s critical role in developing efficient, safe and sustainable transport systems in Central Asia.

Umberto de Pretto expressed deep gratitude to the leadership of Turkmenistan for their foresight in developing the country’s transit potential and their active work at the global level, including through the United Nations.

“Efficient, safe and sustainable transport and transit corridors are vital for landlocked countries such as Turkmenistan and other countries in the region. Efficient road transport is at the heart of all the UN Sustainable Development Goals,” the head of the IRU said, which unites more than 3.5 million road transport operators.

He noted that the IRU member in Turkmenistan, THADA, not only contributes to improving the quality of road transportation at the national level, but also is the voice of Turkmen operators within the global network.

The IRU Secretary General highlighted Turkmenistan’s leadership in efficiency, innovation and cooperation, noting that the country serves as an example for others in using harmonized international instruments.

The central theme was the TIR (International Road Transport) system, established by the IRU in 1949. Turkmenistan has not only been at the forefront of its use for decades, but is also actively promoting its full digitalization.

For further use of the MDP system, Turkmenistan has allocated priority lanes for MDP trucks at all major border crossings, which has significantly affected the country’s transit and logistics potential. Another striking example of innovation is international cooperation in the promotion of paperless consignment notes (e-CMR), developed under the auspices of the United Nations. Turkmenistan, like almost 40 other countries, has signed this protocol, and its full and rapid implementation will further stimulate trade and transit.

In conclusion, Umberto de Pretto noted Turkmenistan’s active position on the world stage, in particular, in the UN. A striking example was Turkmenistan’s initiative, enshrined in a resolution of the UN General Assembly, to establish World Sustainable Transport Day, which is now celebrated annually on November 26. According to him, this day is a unique opportunity to realize how important transport, especially automobile transport, is for the sustainable development and prosperity of the planet.

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Ashgabat, November 12. Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammetkhan Chakyev spoke at the opening ceremony of the joint international events “Turkmentel-2025” and “International Transport and Logistics Corridors: Interconnectivity and Development-2025.” In his opening remarks, the Deputy Prime Minister outlined the state’s strategic priorities and emphasized the forum’s critical importance for strengthening international cooperation.

Mammetkhan Chakyev thanked the participants, noting that their willingness to share proposals for the implementation of advanced technologies and innovative solutions contributes to strengthening partnerships in transport and communications.

The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that Turkmenistan is actively implementing large-scale programs aimed at modernizing the national economy, creating a modern transport infrastructure, developing the digital landscape, implementing e-government, and expanding the capabilities of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies.

Chakyev highlighted Turkmenistan’s advantageous geo-economic position, which opens up vast opportunities for realizing its international transit potential. The creation of new transport and communications infrastructure in the East-West and North-South directions was identified as an important factor in developing mutually beneficial trade and economic relations in the Eurasian region.

The city of Arkadag was cited as a prime example of the country’s digital development. The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that this “smart” city is widely implementing advanced digital, information and communications, and green technologies.

“The introduction of 5G technology into the communications network this year, in honor of the city’s two-year anniversary, marks a new stage in our country’s digital development,” Mammetkhan Chakyev said.

In conclusion, the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized that the participation of over 80 foreign companies and over 350 delegations in the current events is direct evidence of Turkmenistan’s attractiveness to international investors. This success is directly linked to the country’s open-door policy and the creation of favorable political, economic, and legal conditions.

The Turkmen side expressed its readiness to discuss any proposals for mutually beneficial cooperation and the implementation of investment projects aimed at elevating the country to a new level of development among the world’s leading digital economies.

The program of the forum, taking place in Ashgabat, includes several key areas aimed at systemic development:

Turkmentel-2025 (Digital Transformation):

The role of digital transformation in sustainable economic development.

Smart and secure development of communications infrastructure.

Creating an ecosystem and funding opportunities for startups.

The “International Transport and Logistics Corridors” (Transit and Investment) section:

Cooperation and investment opportunities in the transport sector.

Regional connectivity and economic corridors.

Development of multimodal transport routes.

Innovation and digitalization in logistics.

The events will also include significant supporting events, such as the Fintech Forum, the International Startup Forum, and an International Telecommunication Union seminar on the implementation of AI in public administration.

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On 6 September 2024, a meeting was held in the premises of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Minister of Foreign Affairs Rashid Meredov and the Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) Umberto de Pretto.

During the meeting, the parties noted the positive cooperation experience between Turkmenistan and IRU, as well as defined further actions to improve interconnectivity between the countries through the development of multimodal transit-transport corridors and international logistics hubs, including digitalization of the transport industry.

The sides discussed collaboration on the UN platform and exchanged views on the activities of the Group of Friends of Sustainable Transport established at the initiative of Turkmenistan.

Umberto de Pretto noted the commitment of Turkmenistan’s leadership to improving transport infrastructure at the regional level, contributing to its efficiency and practicality by joining international documents.

The parties also discussed the issues of building expert capacity and developing the legal framework of cooperation. Preparations to the international conference on transport timed to the World Sustainable Transport Day in November in Ashgabat were discussed.

Source

In accordance with the Customs Code of Turkmenistan, from June 1, 2024, carriers or other interested parties are given the opportunity to submit advance electronic information about goods intended for import into the customs territory of Turkmenistan before their actual arrival.

Advance electronic information can be submitted to customs authorities through the customs information system «ASYCUDA World» and in accordance with the «Customs Convention of November 14, 1975 on the International Transport of Goods under cover of TIR Carnets (TIR Convention)» (IRU) TIR-EPD information system in Turkmen, Russian and (or) English.

Movement across the customs border of Turkmenistan and customs clearance of goods imported into the customs territory of Turkmenistan on the basis of provision of advance electronic information is carried out as a priority.

The submitted advance electronic information about goods subject to import into the customs territory of Turkmenistan, including transit transportation, is aimed at stimulating foreign trade activities by accelerating customs clearance by customs authorities.

Source

27 MAY 2024 · PROSPERITY

The first TIR Logistics Hub accredited by IRU has opened in Kashgar, Western China, offering a one-stop-shop for TIR transport companies, customs services and supply chain players.

A new TIR logistics hub accredited by IRU, the first-of-its-kind, was inaugurated yesterday in Kashgar, China, a major city and trade gateway in the western region of Xinjiang, close to Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan and Tajikistan.

The unique facility brings together all essential transit services under one roof: customs clearance, warehousing, cargo handling, route development, and transport capacity matching.

With TIR already boosting trade between China and Eurasia, the integrated approach of the hub will further streamline operations, boost efficiency and save costs for transport companies operating into Central and South Asia, as well as from China through to the Middle East and Europe.

IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “I am delighted to welcome the inauguration of the first TIR logistics hub in China. Such secure route diversification will facilitate regional trade growth and make supply chains more resilient.”  

“IRU looks forward to collaborating with partners to leverage the resources and key role of the TIR logistics hub, as well as the benefits of TIR to further diversify and optimise trade routes linking China to Central Asia and beyond,” he added.

IRU Chief Representative of East and Southeast Asia Yan Zhou said, “In recent years, Kashgar has been making continuous efforts in TIR transport with regular operations along the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan and China-Pakistan economic corridors. This has established a solid foundation for the launch of the Kashgar TIR Logistics Hub.”

“With the strong support of customs and transport authorities, local governments and industry partners, we are confident that the TIR logistics hub will create shared opportunities and contribute significantly to the development of China’s international road transport industry,” she added.

CEVA Logistics Vice President of Ground & Rail for Greater China and Global Cross Border & Multimodal Leader Kelvin Tang said, “I am honoured to attend the inauguration ceremony of the first TIR logistics hub accredited by IRU in China.

“As a pioneer of TIR solutions in China, CEVA has successfully opened TIR routes between China and Europe, Uzbekistan, Pakistan and Afghanistan since 2018. We have continuously invested in international road transport and TIR solutions. With the launch of this hub in Kashgar, I believe TIR will grow faster and become more widely used.”

“By working with IRU and our partners, CEVA is committed to providing our customers with transport services that offer significant time and cost savings under TIR,” he added.

Located in China’s north-west Xinjiang Region, Kashgar serves as a key logistics hub for goods transported between China and Central Asia, South Asia and other regions.

IRU will explore opportunities to establish TIR Logistics Hubs in other cities in China to further facilitate international trade between China and countries across Eurasia.

What is the TIR system?

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 transport and logistics companies. It cuts border waiting times significantly, saving time and money.

TIR is celebrating its 75th anniversary in 2024, marking the first agreement to establish the system by nine European countries in 1949 under the auspices of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.

The TIR system connects China with over 30 countries across Eurasia, offering more secure transport options that are over 80% faster and 50% cheaper. Twenty-eight Chinese cities have started TIR operations.

Source IRU

23 MAY 2024 · ENVIRONMENT

Opening the 2024 ITF Summit of Transport Ministers in Leipzig, Germany, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto has stressed the importance of a pragmatic approach to decarbonising commercial road transport based on proven, available efficiency measures.

Governments need to support proven efficiency measures, at the same time as alternative fuels investment, to decarbonise effectively, IRU told transport ministers and industry leaders from around the world at the opening plenary session of the annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF).

“Greening the world road transport industry is our mission, and we can’t let crises – however grave – disrupt progress to carbon neutrality. But this will only happen if we decarbonise pragmatically,” said Umberto de Pretto.

IRU Green Compact research has found that the best way to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 is for the industry and governments to deliver on two types of actions simultaneously: energy efficiency measures and alternative fuels implementation. 

Energy efficiency measures – available right now – can cut 50% of all CO₂ emissions from commercial road transport from now through to 2050. 

A steady transition to new alternative fuels and the vehicles, infrastructure and business models needed to run them – including electricity, hydrogen and carbon-neutral biofuels – covers the other 50%.

“The important point here is that both need to happen now and over time through to 2050. We need to act now on all fronts. ”UMBERTO DE PRETTOIRU Secretary General

IRU also emphasised the role of technology neutrality and warned against misguided forced modal shift policies.

Umberto de Pretto concluded, “Are we aiming to save the planet or a particular mode of transport? All modes need to work together to provide a full range of network services to users. We all need to work together, with each other, with governments, and with our clients, to keep greening transport.

“Transport operators – of all modes – know best how to operate services in the most efficient and, therefore, the greenest way possible. Trust in them and the power of a well-regulated market.”

IRU was joined by other notable government and international leaders at the opening plenary session. 

China’s Vice Minister of Transport, Yang Li, thanked IRU for its work with the Chinese government and the TIR system in helping China advance sustainable transport.

The United Nations Economic Commission for Europe’s Executive Secretary, Tatiana Molcean, also highlighted the crucial role of TIR in global supply chains.

Source IRU

The US-based Caspian Policy Center (CPC), one of the leading analytical structures in the US, is organizing the 8th Annual Trans-Caspian Forum titled “How to Maximize the Middle Corridor” on May 21 in Washington.

“Collaborating with the embassies of the Caspian region, South Caucasus, and neighboring countries—such as Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan—we are arranging a Middle Corridor forum,” the CPC website reported.

Amid the energy and security challenges stemming, CPC experts emphasize the crucial necessity for strategic engagement between the US and the Caspian region.

“The recent global paradigm shift underscores the imperative for the US to reassess its alliances and assist nations in this pivotal region to bolster their economic sovereignty through enhanced connectivity and trade, notably via the Middle Corridor,” the statement highlighted.

Consequently, the inaugural panel of the Trans-Caspian Forum will focus on “Building on the United States-Caspian Strategic Partnership.”

Distinguished guests such as US Deputy Secretary of State Kurt M. Campbell, Homeland Security Advisor Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall, USAID representative Isobel Coleman, and Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Global Markets Arun Venkataraman have been invited to participate in the forum.

Richard Eugene Hoagland, former American Ambassador and Chairman of the Board of the Caspian Policy Center, along with Deputy Foreign Ministers from invited states (including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Türkiye, and Uzbekistan), will address the forum on the development of the Caspian region.

The second panel will focus on “Maximizing Development Impact: Prioritization and Coordination” and will directly address the Middle Corridor route.

“This multimodal corridor offers the most direct path for goods traveling from China to Europe, being 3,000 kilometers shorter than the northern route via Russia. In January of this year, the EU declared its commitment to allocate $10.8 billion to bolster the Middle Corridor link between Europe and Central Asia. It’s crucial now to ascertain how governments and international financial institutions intend to synchronize and prioritize the diverse investments and policies essential for establishing an efficient and contemporary transport route,” the CPC experts say.

The panel discussion will include Ambassador Erin Elizabeth McKee representing USAID, Henrik Hololei from the European Commission, Tamar Jejeia Satterwhite from the US Department of Commerce, and Winnie Wang, Lead Infrastructure Specialist and Program Leader, Europe and Central Asia program at the World Bank.

The third panel, titled “How to Do Business Better Along the Middle Corridor: Experts Discuss Needs and Opportunities,” will feature Eugene Seah, Chief Operating Officer, Baku International Sea Trade Port, and Mamuka Murjikneli, CEO, Wondernet Investment Group. Also invited to this panel are Carolyn Lamm, Chairman of the Board, American-Uzbekistan Chamber of Commerce; Greg Sbrocco, Executive Vice President, Global Operations, Wabtec Corporation; and Alice Wong, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Officer, Cameco.

It’s worth noting that the Middle Corridor is under scrutiny by the global community for facilitating trade between two major economies, China and the EU.

Source

An online-meeting took place between representatives of the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Customs and Trade of the Republic of Turkey. This is reported on the website of the customs department of Turkmenistan.

During the meeting, the draft Agreement on the Simplified Customs Corridor (SCC) and the Protocol on the establishment of the Joint Customs Committee were reviewed.

The creation of the Joint Customs Committee should facilitate the organization of effective customs cooperation within the framework of the implementation of bilateral agreements concluded between Turkmenistan and the Republic of Turkey.

The Simplified Customs Corridor project is an exchange of preliminary information about goods between the customs services of Turkmenistan and Turkey. This information will be used during customs control.

Source

19 APR 2024 · ENVIRONMENT

During the UN’s first annual Sustainability Week, IRU’s Secretary General outlined key actions to continue advancing the sustainability of road transport and its role in global development.

How do we leverage the social inclusivity and sustainability of road transport to achieve the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development?

That’s the question IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto tackled at the UN General Assembly this week in New York.

“Transport keeps us fed, healthy and supplied with the essentials of life. It brings us to our workplace and connects us with our loved ones. It is essential to the lives and livelihoods of all eight billion people that we share this planet with.

“All modes of transport must work together to get people and goods to their destinations. They must all become greener and proactively support social inclusion, especially for the poorest communities in our world.

“Greening transport is a marathon, not a sprint. We cannot wait for 2050 and then press a ‘magic button’. We need to pursue a mix of different policies in parallel – right now.

“Pragmatic efficiency measures – like longer vehicles, better route optimisation and driver training – may be less exciting than new fuel technologies, but if we are more efficient, we are greener. With the right enabling environment, legislation and incentives, we can already reduce our carbon footprint by 50%.”

The IRU Green Compact, a collective global roadmap to achieve carbon neutrality in commercial road transport by 2050, has found that pragmatic efficiency measures are key to decarbonisation efforts, as important as alternative fuels over the short and long term. 

Umberto de Pretto also emphasised the crucial role of tried-and-test UN trade tools in improving not only the efficiency of transit and transport but also its sustainability.

“How can trucks inching forward at borders for hours, days and even weeks – while emitting carbon emissions – be sustainable? We have tools such as the UN TIR Convention that has worked for over seven decades. Real live transport operations show that streamlining border crossings using the TIR system reduces the carbon emissions of a cross-border journey by up to 30%,” highlighted Umberto de Pretto.

“We need to maximise the power of the instruments at our disposal. Any country not part of the TIR system must accelerate its accession and implementation. Governments don’t need to reinvent the wheel. Just rather look at what has been working for decades,” he added.

What else needs to be done?

Looking forward to the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport, Umberto de Pretto detailed three specific suggestions:

Firstly, the UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs Expert Group Meeting on Sustainable Transport, which consists of representative stakeholders, should become an annual event to share experiences, best practices, successes and failures for the Decade of Action for Sustainable Transport.

Secondly, the number of ratified and implemented UN Conventions, such as TIR, CMR and ADR, should be used as key indicators to monitor progress.

Thirdly, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Public-private cooperation is required to implement pragmatic regional and local pathways to carbon neutrality. The IRU Green Compact is based on regional flexibility in terms of evidence gathering, testing and scaling up of solutions.

Umberto de Pretto concluded, “IRU looks forward to playing an active role in the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport. We, together with governments, need to pursue all measures available to ensure that decarbonisation does not compromise the key role of transport in economic and social development.”

Source IRU