A recent truck delivery in Pakistan has demonstrated transit time savings of 80 per cent on the normal maritime route due to the launch of TIR.
TIR enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin, through transit countries, to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs via a multilateral, mutually recognised system.
It is, according to the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the easiest, safest and most reliable way to move goods across multiple international borders, saving time and money for transport operators and customs authorities.
IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, greeted the successful arrival of two trucks in Istanbul on 8 October 2021. The vehicles, which traversed the Islamabad-Tehran-Instanbul (ITI) trade corridor using the TIR system, carried textiles and tyres for export.
“This new ITI corridor is a clear demonstration of how TIR saves time and money, bringing greater trade and economic benefits to this region,” said de Pretto. “The ECO region has always been a pioneer in using the TIR system.”
ECO Secretary General Khosrav Noziri said: “The successful activation of the ITI corridor is thanks to close coopepration between ECO and IRU, as well as all public and private stakeholders in the Iran, Pakistan and Turkey. It will definitely help boost regional integration and connectivity.”
IRU said the transport has successfully demonstrated huge time-savings with the traditional sea route taking 25 to 40 days. “TIR transports can now reach Istanbul from Pakistan in as little as six days, with highly secure and speedy border crossings, reducing risk as well as costs and time.”