Speeches: Mir Mohammad Ali, ITCA Chairman, I.R. of Iran
"We heartily welcome
IRU's initiative to look towards the East. The productivity of our member firms
is greatly influenced by such bottle-necks as the quota and the visa systems
being enforced by almost all the countries through which goods must be transited
by our overland haulers. It is our sincere wish that crossing borders can be
more simplified."
(click on photo to enlarge)
by S.H. Mir Mohammad
Ali
ITCA Chairman, I.R. of Iran
Excellencies, distinguished delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,
On behalf of 'International Transport Companies'
Association of Iran', I would like to welcome you to the capital of I.R. of Iran
on the occasion of the 2nd IRU Euro-Asian Road Transport
Conference.
We are proud of having the privilege of co-hosting
this international gathering, particularly since it is the first of its kind the
history of the IRU to hold such a meeting in our region. We heartily welcome
IRU's initiative to look towards the East, especially since transport problems
of the Eastern hemisphere were so far neglected.
We, in this region had the feeling so far, the IRU
being originally an European organisation, is focusing its priorities on solving
transportation problems of countries of its founders. Fortunately, the extension
of Europe towards the East and expansion of the boundaries up to the Black Sea,
is attracting IRU's attention further towards us.
International transportation, having its roots in
ancient Iran, did witness extensive changes during the centuries. The great Silk
Road and its impact on the trade and transfer of civilisation is a known fact.
Iran did historically function as a bridge between the West and the East, a role
which once more has gained momentum since early ninety.
While welcoming a conference of this nature, we
earnestly hope that the IRU will assist countries of the region to overcome
their problems in the International Transport systems. We are on the one hand
witnessing the expansion of Wold Trade Organisations, promoting free trade;
while on the other do not see any remedies to the huge problems of the
International Transport Companies of this region.
The productivity of our member firms is greatly
influenced by such bottle-necks particularly the quota and the visa systems
being enforced by almost all the countries through which goods must be transited
by our overland haulers. It is our sincere wish that crossing borders can be
more simplified and transit visas be easily granted to the drivers of vehicles
engaged in the international transport, thereby reducing idle times of the
vehicles employed, being favourable influential on the level of freight rates
and final costs of the commodities transported. I would like to once again
extend our appreciation for your participation in this conference and sincerely
hope that you will enjoy your stay in our country, gain a positive experience
and carry good memories with you back home.
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