For the first time, eTIR operations have been run across the Caspian Sea between three countries: Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. These new services will bring additional transit efficiency, speed and security to the vital Middle Corridor.
An important bottleneck on the Middle Corridor between China and Europe is set to ease with the start of fully digital TIR operations across the Caspian Sea between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and on to Uzbekistan.
Heading east, a pilot transport from Azerbaijan carrying television and music equipment successfully crossed the Caspian Sea by ship to Turkmenistan through Turkmenbashi Port before transiting across the country and entering Uzbekistan via the Farap border crossing.
Covering more than 1,200 km, this transport demonstrated the practical application of eTIR on an international multimodal corridor linking the South Caucasus and Central Asia. The operation also marked the first eTIR transport connecting three countries – Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – under a single procedure.
At the same time, heading west, four transports departing from Turkmenistan successfully completed exit customs formalities at Turkmenbashi Port before crossing the Caspian Sea by ferry to the Port of Alat in Baku, Azerbaijan. These operations reflect the strong commitment and efforts of Turkmenistan Customs in facilitating secure and digital transit, showcasing the country’s role as a strategic link on the Middle Corridor.
The customs authorities of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan – together with the UN Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), IRU and IRU members ABADA, THADA and AIRCUZ – worked in close cooperation to test and launch the new services based on the eTIR digital solution.
The operations were run using the eTIR National Application, offering customs administrations a quick and efficient way to implement eTIR procedures, enabling countries to benefit from eTIR while progressively developing full integration with their national customs systems.
The expansion of eTIR operations across the Caspian Sea represents another important step in the digitalisation of international transit procedures, supporting more efficient and secure customs processing and strengthening connectivity along one of Eurasia’s most important transport corridors.
The launch also highlights the growing role of Turkmenistan as a key transit partner connecting the South Caucasus and Central Asia through secure and digital customs procedures.
On 20 July 2026, a five-day programme of events was launched at the State Customs Service of Turkmenistan, dedicated to coordination matters and the provision of technical support for the implementation of the first transport operations using the international digital eTIR system.
Within the framework of the programme, an extended technical meeting was held focusing on the practical aspects of implementing the eTIR system in Turkmenistan, as well as on the organisation of the first pilot transport along the Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan route. The meeting brought together representatives of the customs administrations of Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as international organisations, including the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
During the meeting, it was noted that Turkmenistan is among the first countries in the region to introduce the eTIR system for international transit road transport operations. The importance of this step for enhancing the attractiveness of transit transport corridors passing through the country was emphasised.
The practical phase of the events will continue from 22 to 24 July at the Turkmenbashi International Seaport. With the support of UNECE, pilot transport operations using the eTIR system will be conducted, and training sessions will be delivered by IRU expert Vakhtang Zarandia.
IRU’s General Assembly of members has voted to officially appoint Habib Turki as its next Secretary General.
Habib Turki was officially confirmed as the organisation’s new Secretary General today in Geneva. Proposed by the Presidential Executive, IRU’s governing board, and voted in by IRU members, he will succeed current Secretary General Umberto de Pretto.
As IRU’s next Secretary General, Habib Turki will draw on nearly two decades of experience in trade, development and transport at international organisations to advance safe, efficient and green road transport.
Habib Turki previously served as IRU’s Regional Adviser for the Middle East from 2015 to 2018. During that time, he successfully positioned and grew IRU’s presence in the region, advocating for the accession of Oman, Palestine, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to the TIR system. He also oversaw the implementation of TIR in the United Arab Emirates.
In 2019, he joined the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), where he developed the Tourism Services Department and led FIA’s advocacy at the United Nations and other international organisations.
In 2024, he was promoted to FIA’s Chief Development Officer to drive global growth through institutional partnerships, market development and international representation. He negotiated partnerships and agreements with international organisations and governments, while supporting FIA’s expansion in China and across Asia.
“It is an honour to be appointed IRU Secretary General. I am delighted to work again with IRU members across the globe,” said Habib Turki.
“IRU’s rich history speaks for itself: from reviving war-torn trade links in post-war Europe with the TIR system and advancing road safety globally to leading the pragmatic, sustainable decarbonisation of our industry. I am excited to lead the organisation into its next chapter.”
Habib Turki will officially take over as IRU Secretary General on 1 August 2026.
Against the backdrop of tensions in the Middle East, transport routes through the Caspian region are experiencing growing demand. Under these conditions, Turkmenistan is strengthening its role as one of the key transit links in international logistics corridors, trans.ru reports.
According to the publication, China has intensified the use of the eastern branch of the International North–South Transport Corridor for shipping goods to Iran. The route passes through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. At the same time, part of the cargo destined for Europe has been redirected to the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.
This is the second time in recent years that interest in Caspian transport corridors has significantly increased. Previously, their importance grew substantially in 2022, when countries needed alternative cargo delivery routes bypassing traditional pathways.
Particular attention is currently being paid to the eastern branch of the North–South Corridor passing through Turkmenistan. As ORIENT reported, in January–April 2026, the volume of container transportation through the country increased by 70% compared to the same period last year.
During the first four months of this year, 19 container trains on the “China–Iran” route and 25 trains operating along the “Russia–Iran–Russia” route passed through Turkmenistan’s railways.
The growing importance of Caspian routes is also linked to restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and the Suez Canal. As a result, China and other countries are being forced to make greater use of overland transport corridors, including routes through Central Asia and the Caspian Sea.
According to the Argus agency, in the first quarter of 2026, the volume of transit freight trains from China passing through Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan more than doubled compared to the same period last year.
At the 2026 International Transport Forum (ITF) Summit in Leipzig, IRU’s Secretary General delivered a stark message to ministers and transport leaders: the world has entered a state of permanent crisis mode, and governments must move from discussion to action to help transport systems respond to growing global disruptions.
Speaking during today’s ministerial session “Pillars of Progress: Governance, Innovation, and Cooperation”, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto warned that wars, natural disasters and geopolitical instability are placing unprecedented pressure on global mobility and logistics networks.
“Every year, we talk about crises. Wars in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and elsewhere disrupt transport operations. Natural disasters damage infrastructure. Covid showed how vulnerable transport can be. We seem to be in permanent crisis mode these days.”
But road transport, he stressed, is not only a victim of instability. “Transport is also crucial to how the world deals with crises.”
Representing an industry of more than 3.5 million road transport companies worldwide, Umberto de Pretto highlighted the essential role of buses, coaches, taxis, vans and trucks in maintaining resilient supply chains and mobility services. “We are the glue that makes intermodal networks work. We are the first and last mile.”
Drawing on the current war in Iran and conflict in the Middle East, he described how road transport operators are helping populations affected by war while simultaneously adapting supply chains under extreme pressure.
“We are not only hugely impacted by the current crisis in fuel price and supply, our work is also crucial in helping those affected by this war – from moving people fleeing conflict to redeploying truck routes across the wider Middle East and rerouting shipments carrying essentials.”
His central message to governments was direct: “Let us do our job. Help us be more resilient; don’t hinder our resilience.”
Umberto de Pretto pointed to three priorities requiring urgent action: borders, bureaucracy and digitalisation.
On borders, he called for wider use of the TIR system to enable faster and more secure cross-border transport during crises. “TIR strengthens resilience by enabling flexibility in transit routes. When traditional corridors are disrupted, the system absorbs the shock and trade keeps moving.”
He cited the rapid rerouting of cargo through Iraq as an example of resilience in action. “TIR trucks are crossing Iraq rapidly and securely, enabling swift rerouting of cargo from the GCC to Türkiye and on to Europe.” He noted how Iraq has reduced some journeys from Poland to Dubai from 24 days to just 10.
Turning to bureaucracy, Umberto de Pretto criticised outdated visa and administrative processes that continue to slow down transport operations during emergencies. “Driver visas and processes are stuck in the last century. Remove visas, at least in times of crisis, or, at the very least, make the processes fast and efficient.”
He also urged governments to accelerate digitalisation efforts. “Digitalisation is a real buzzword. It’s great to talk about AI and new technology, but we are still decades behind on some of the most basic digitalisation opportunities that would bring real benefit to operators.”
Umberto de Pretto also expressed frustration at the lack of implementation following repeated political commitments on resilience. “After Covid we talked about ‘building back better’. Are we succeeding? Well, not really.”
“Let us stop talking and start acting,” he urged ministers. “Help us help you.”
A delegation from Turkmenistan is participating in the Annual Summit of the International Transport Forum (ITF) in Leipzig, Germany. This was reported by the press service of the Turkmen Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The forum, chaired by Azerbaijan, is the second part of the three-year ITF summit program for 2025–2027, dedicated to transport sustainability. The event brings together transport ministers from 69 ITF member states, heads of leading industry companies, and representatives of academia and international organizations.
The Turkmen delegation is led by Suleiman Durdyev, Deputy Chairman of the State Service “Turkmenhowayollary.” It includes representatives from the Cabinet of Ministers, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan.
During the forum, participants will discuss investment mechanisms and financing strategies aimed at increasing the resilience of transport systems in the face of climate change, extreme weather events, pandemics, cyberattacks, and geopolitical instability.
Turkmenistan consistently promotes the principles of transport diplomacy, advocating for the digitalization of the industry and the introduction of environmentally friendly modes of transport. The country is strengthening its position as a major transit hub in Eurasia, promoting economic stability and international cooperation in the region, the report notes.
A trilateral agreement on the creation of a Russia (Tatarstan)-Turkmenistan-Afghanistan transport corridor is planned to be signed at KazanForum 2026, scheduled for May, according to Karavan Info news agency.
This new route is seen as a promising alternative to the North-South Corridor, allowing for diversification of logistics and minimizing the risks associated with instability in the Middle East.
The project was initiated by Afghan Minister of Industry and Trade Nuruddin Azizi. It was at his suggestion that the first cargo deliveries along the future transport corridor will begin through Tatarstan.
It is noted that Oleg Korobchenko, Minister of Industry and Trade of the Republic of Tatarstan, is personally overseeing this issue.
In the second part of this series on the UN Decade of Sustainable Transport (2026–2035), IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto outlines clear actions to materialise tangible results.
For a historical overview of sustainable road transport and joint IRU-UN initiatives, see the first part of this series.
How can we ensure the Decade is a success?
Looking back on the 80-year history of the UN and transport, change comes most effectively when the UN works closely with the private sector, notably in public-private partnerships.
From IRU’s work as the global voice of commercial road transport, we have dozens of examples of successful collaborations spanning our own 78-year partnership with the UN, historically the first public-private partnership of the UN.
As the private sector side of the equation, we offer not only an operational perspective of transport networks and services that helps the UN propose, draft and implement robust international standards, but we offer innovation and practical tools to make change happen on the ground.
With this in mind, we have a key role to play in making the UN Decade a success, especially in helping mobilise and scale up existing proven and pragmatic tools.
Examples include:
Building capacity and mobilising evidence-based tools and resources, such as with IRU’s Green Compact, to accelerate the adoption of sustainable road transport solutions
Fostering technology neutrality, sustainable innovation and digitalisation as drivers of efficiency and transparency in transport management and operations
Umberto de Pretto at launch of UN Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026–2035 in New York
What is the role of TIR in sustainable transport?
The TIR system is the mother of all UN public-private partnerships and has demonstrated, over many decades, that efficiency equals sustainability, in this case for trucks moving essentials across borders.
TIR has been shown to slash CO₂ emissions at border crossings by 90% by ensuring that trucks can cross borders efficiently and swiftly.
Drivers stuck at borders for hours or days on end – and sometimes even weeks – idling away are a clear impediment to the economic, social and environmental pillars of sustainable transport.
How else can we make road transport more sustainable?
One of our biggest concrete achievements has been to work with governments to reduce noxious emissions by up to 98% since 1990.
We have now turned our attention to carbon dioxide.
To address the decarbonisation challenge, we launched the IRU Green Compact, a global commitment adopted by IRU members in 2021, to investigate solutions and design and implement pragmatic roadmaps for the industry to reach carbon neutrality by 2050.
The rapid pace of change with decarbonisation technology and innovation means that clarity, robustness and pragmatism are crucial to meet commercial road transport operator needs in enabling them to change over time – both economically and operationally – as they continue to serve mobility and logistics demand.
The Green Compact is grounded in a scientific, evidence-based approach – applied to the analysis of transport operations, the investigation of decarbonisation levers, and the forecasting of market potential – with a focus on economic as well as social and environmental sustainability.
IRU Green Compact Survey Report 2025
mportantly, the Green Compact builds in regional and country flexibility in driving the right approaches in the right places – based on transport and energy landscapes. It targets the longer-term scaling up of solutions across the more than 3.5 million companies, many of which are SMEs, that operate commercial road transport services globally.
Based on the Green Compact, what is the way forward?
For example, eco-truck combinations (two trailers instead of one) can reduce a truck’s CO₂ emissions by 30%.
The steady transition to alternative fuels covers the remaining 50%, allowing the industry to reach carbon neutrality.
We can take significant steps right now, instead of putting all our focus on alternative fuel trucks when the enabling conditions are simply not there yet.
How can the public and private sectors use the Green Compact to decarbonise transport?
We have developed two Green Compact modelling tools specifically for companies and governments to decarbonise operations and plan policies while continuing to meet transport demand.
The Alternative Fuels and Efficiency Model (AFEM) is a cutting-edge calculation tool for operators and shippers. It combines regulatory reporting, emission reduction strategies, and total cost of ownership analysis.
Using telematics data, AFEM calculates energy consumption, emissions and costs for both completed and future trips, factoring in eco-driving efficiency, payload and vehicle parameters.
The Decarbonisation Roadmap Maker (DRM) simulates the effectiveness of new technologies, practices and policies.
DRM enables governments and companies to develop pragmatic, data-driven decarbonisation roadmaps, while monitoring costs.
Any final words?
We must focus on pragmatic solutions.
At the end of the UN Decade, we must be able to look back and see clear, tangible and measurable change in the sustainability of transport around the world.
To make this happen, the public and private sectors must work hand in hand to achieve what is already possible today.
At IRU, we are gearing up for this great challenge.
Instead of talking about the decade of sustainable transport, let’s stop talking about it and start acting.
IRU marks the 70th anniversary of the Convention on the Contract for the International Carriage of Goods by Road (CMR) – a cornerstone of international road transport law.
The CMR Convention is a testament to what the United Nations, governments and the private sector can achieve by working together.
Since its signing in Geneva in 1956, the CMR Convention has provided the clarity, fairness and legal certainty needed for road transport operators to move goods seamlessly and expand their services – revolutionising freight transport. CMR supports economies and strengthens the very fabric of international trade.
IRU President Radu Dinescu said, “For IRU, CMR’s 70th anniversary carries special meaning. From the very beginning, we have worked hand in hand with governments and international institutions to ensure that the CMR Convention is not only respected but truly lived in daily operations. It is now time to cement the digital era of consignment notes with the widespread rollout of eCMR, ensuring faster, trackable and even more secure digital trade.”
UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean said, “CMR is the backbone of transparent and efficient international road freight, ensuring legal clarity, reliability and consistency across borders. After seven decades, it remains one of the most widely applied international transport conventions, bridging all modes of transport and industry actors to facilitate global supply chains and the everyday movement of essential goods.”
The future
The next chapter for CMR lies in the digitalisation of the consignment note.
eCMR is making road transport more transparent, secure and sustainable. It reduces handling costs by three to four times; accelerates invoicing and administration with reduced data entry; lessens delivery and reception discrepancies; enhances data accuracy; enables better control and monitoring of shipments; and provides real-time access to information and proof of pick-up and delivery.
IRU embraces this digital future and is working with governments to support and drive forward the next era of international road transport.
On 17 February 2026, the 88th session of the Inland Transport Committee (ITC) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) commenced its work in Geneva. The Committee is one of the key international platforms for the development of transport and transport policy.
The current 88th session of the ITC brings together heads of transport authorities of Member States, leaders of international organizations, representatives of relevant institutions, the transport business community, and experts. The event is attended by the delegation of Turkmenistan headed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers B. Annayev.
Priority agenda items include the automation of transport operations, digitalization of infrastructure, development of international transport corridors, and harmonization of the regulatory and legal framework.
The session is held under the overarching theme “Advancing Innovation for the Future of Inland Transport” and focuses on innovation, automation, digitalization, infrastructure development, and enhancing the resilience of international transport systems.
Within the framework of the High-Level Segment, ministerial panel discussions were held on the implementation of intelligent transport solutions, digital connectivity, and strengthening transport links in support of sustainable trade.
In his address during the High-Level Segment, the head of the Turkmen delegation emphasized that Turkmenistan regards the digital transformation of the transport sector as a strategic priority of state policy. Particular attention was paid to the systematic modernization of the regulatory framework in the field of electronic document management, the introduction of intergovernmental data exchange mechanisms, and the development of digital transport corridors along the North-South and East-West routes.
Special note was also made of the practical cooperation with UNECE, including in the digital transformation of multimodal transport and the development of automated data exchange systems.
The statement underscored the alignment of national initiatives with the global sustainable development agenda, including the Decade of Sustainable Transport 2026-2035 proclaimed at the initiative of Turkmenistan.
