More than 300 million people in the Greater Mekong region would benefit from seamless trade enabled by the global TIR transit system.
The 27th meeting of the Greater Mekong Subregional Transport Forum, held in Vientiane, Laos, brought together government officials and development partners to address current and emerging challenges facing the transport network.
A special focus was placed on enhancing the role of the private sector and identifying priorities for transit and trade facilitation.
IRU highlighted how harmonised and mutually recognised instruments such as TIR can drive trade facilitation, digitalisation and sustainability across the region.
Tatiana Rey-Bellet, IRU’s Director of TIR and Transit, said, “Leveraging the strengths of the TIR system and the Cross-Border Transport Facilitation Agreement would facilitate trade by reducing the duplication of procedures and documentation.”
“Importantly, TIR would address a core transit challenge in the region by providing a globally recognised customs guarantee,” she added.
With 78 contracting parties, TIR is the only global transit system. It strengthens regional connectivity while linking various regions to international markets. TIR enables seamless, door-to-door transport with minimal border checks, cutting border waiting times by up to 92%.
Green Lanes using TIR further enhance border efficiency and reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 90%. TIR also promotes intermodality, in line with the infrastructure goals of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
“IRU is committed to supporting Greater Mekong countries in building efficient, secure and sustainable transport and transit systems,” concluded Tatiana Rey-Bellet.