Longstanding public-private partnerships (PPPs) like the TIR transit system are accelerating the Kingdom’s evolution into a logistics powerhouse, IRU underscored at the Roads, Bridges & Tunnels KSA Conference.
The third edition of the conference, held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, brought together key government authorities, regulatory bodies, global infrastructure solution providers, and the road transport industry.
IRU joined a panel discussion – moderated by Dr Ali O. Melibari, Chairman of Civil Engineering Chapter, Saudi Council of Engineers – on PPPs’ role in logistics. The panellists, Rami Karout, IRU’s Senior Adviser for the Middle East, and Gordon Lindsay, AECOM’s Senior Vice President Civil and Infrastructure, discussed how PPPs are supporting the objectives of Vision 2030 by leveraging private sector investment and expertise.
“The global TIR system, the United Nations’ longest-running public-private partnership, has drastically reduced cross-border transit times and strengthened trade security at the Kingdom’s border crossings and across the region,” said Rami Karout.
“We need to continue leveraging such proven PPP models to accelerate the Kingdom’s journey towards a global logistics powerhouse,” he added.
The tried-and-tested TIR system reduces border transit times by up to 92% and lowers transport costs by up to 50%.
“Beyond efficiency, IRU is helping advance road safety through professional training and global certification standards, a core pillar in supporting the Kingdom's Vision 2030, ensuring safer roads and a more sustainable transport ecosystem,” said Rami Karout.
As the world road transport organisation representing 3.5 million companies via its members, IRU has nearly 80 years of experience bringing the private and public sectors together to drive safe, efficient and secure road transport.