A new era of seamless trade continues to take shape in the Middle East.
In a landmark move for regional trade, Syria has officially launched its first TIR operations transiting through Iraq to reach Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) markets.
The inaugural TIR shipments, transporting live animals, securely transited Iraq, before reaching their final destinations in Kuwait and Qatar.
This marks a significant milestone in Middle East logistics, opening a new corridor for more efficient and secure cross-border transport.
The operations follow Iraq’s strategic decision to designate TIR as the sole transit system for international road transport across its territory. This policy shift aims to streamline customs procedures, reduce border delays, and enhance trade competitiveness across the region.
IRU member ICC Syria Chairman Naji Chaoui said, “ICC Syria is proud to enable the smooth movement of Syrian trucks and trade to Iraq under the TIR system, fully compliant with international transport standards and in close coordination with the responsible authorities in both countries, to ensure the safety and security of goods and the efficiency of cross-border operations.”
IRU Senior Adviser for the Middle East and North Africa Rami Karout said, “This is an important milestone for TIR and the beginning of a new era for regional integration in the Middle East.”
“Iraq’s full adoption of TIR is a strategic move to make trade easier, faster and more secure. It’s a reliable and harmonised system that will support Syria in leveraging its strategic location as the gateway between the Levant and the GCC region,” he added.
What is TIR?
The global TIR transit system enables goods to be shipped from a country of origin to a country of destination in sealed load compartments that are controlled by customs under a multilateral, mutually recognised system.
It is the easiest, safest and most reliable way to move goods across international borders, saving time and money for transport operators and customs authorities.