BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 30. Central Asian countries are leading in terms of TIR digitalization, Umberto de Pretto, Secretary-General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), told Trend.
"The International Road Transport (TIR) system is ever-growing, opening new avenues for fast, secure, and sustainable trade. Just this year, following the successful launch of the Shenzhen (China) and Almaty (Kazakhstan) TIR route in 2023, a new route connecting Shenzhen to Uzbekistan's Tashkent was activated. Uzbek hauliers are also exploring other trade routes to China. Additionally, China’s TIR operators have started conducting regular transport operations under TIR from China to Central Asia. With TIR, it takes eight days from Southern China to Tashkent through Kyrgyzstan. Without TIR, it takes around 20–30 days by road. Central Asian countries are also leading in terms of TIR digitalization," he said.
The secretary-general pointed out that the digital version of the TIR system, eTIR, takes the benefits of the system even further.
“I should note that the implementation of eTIR should be accompanied by other digital tools, notably e-CMR, e-visas, and e-permits. TIR is also being supported by existing digital mechanisms and IT tools that connect private sector actors and allow operators to send advance cargo information to customs for more effective risk management,” he said.
Umberto de Pretto added that Central Asia is bursting with untapped potential. While the number of trade hubs in the region is growing, it is still only scratching the surface. With increasing volumes of goods transiting the region, it is becoming essential to accelerate the digitalization of trade.