At a virtual event organised by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) yesterday, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto stressed the importance of using the TIR system to facilitate and secure trade in the region.
Following extremely positive results in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, TIR is expected to contribute to encouraging investment and creating jobs throughout the ESCWA region.
GCC trade and transport operators are already enjoying the benefits of TIR, with transport times reduced by 50% between Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), 72% between Oman and Saudi Arabia and a huge 92% between Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
With Egypt expected to complete the TIR accession process in the near future, Umberto de Pretto invited other countries from the Arab region, especially Bahrain, Iraq, Sudan and Yemen, to finalise their accession to TIR. Having all Arab countries in the TIR system would greatly enhance the security and efficiency of inter-regional trade.
The event also covered the digital eTIR system, which is entirely paperless and offers even greater security.