Digital transport makes waves in Islamabad

e-CMR and intermodal digital TIR top the agenda at meetings in Islamabad, underlining support for digitalisation across the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) region – connecting Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan and Turkey with Eurasian countries.

Qatar ratifies UN TIR Convention

Qatar has become the 72nd country to ratify the United Nations’ TIR Convention, the global standard for customs transit, to facilitate trade and the seamless and secure movement of goods across its borders.

Palestine accedes to TIR

The State of Palestine has become the 72nd country to accede to the United Nations TIR Convention, marking the latest advance in the development of road and multimodal transport in the Middle East and North Africa region.

Forces of change in the Arab world

IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, took part today in a keynote panel examining the drivers and prerequisites for change in the industry, and what Arab countries need to do to strengthen their transport sectors in response. He also met with UN ESCWA Executive Secretary, H.E. Mohammed Ali Alhakim, where the partnership and common resolve of the two organisations was further strengthened.

UAE is TIR-ready with trade prospects set to rise

The United Arab Emirates announces today that the TIR system has been fully implemented and is ready to begin operations in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah in the coming months. 

Transport time across Arab region could be halved under TIR

Roundtable discussions in Beirut highlight the potential of TIR to save up to 57% time and 38% cost on intermodal and road transport operations in the Arab region. Aimed at facilitating the flow of goods between the countries of the region, which currently accounts for only 5.2% of trade, and rebuilding foreign trade in the context of political upheaval, discussions focused on possible actions to simplify border procedures and reduce administrative burdens at crossings.

International North-South Corridor under TIR will cut time and cost of transit

Offering expected time savings of 40%, with a 30% reduction in the cost of trade, the first pilot transports under TIR between India and Iran along the intermodal International North-South Corridor (INSTC) have been set for early 2018 at strategic talks in Mumbai.

First intermodal TIR operation containing rail, maritime and road legs

The first successful intermodal TIR customs transit system operation involving road, sea and rail on a corridor linking Europe to the Middle East has demonstrated a 5-day time saving, with significant potential to reduce costs and boost trade. 

Taxi Companies Syndicate in Lebanon joins IRU

The Taxi Companies Syndicate in Lebanon has joined IRU adding 12 national taxi companies and some 2,000 vehicles to the global network. 

Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry joins IRU

The Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (QCCI), established in 1963 and one of the oldest Chambers of Commerce in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, has joined IRU.

Saudi connectivity set to soar

IRU is in Saudi Arabia, delivering a keynote speech on TIR as a critical tool to improve global and regional connectivity at the Saudi Supply Chain Conference, which is followed by a TIR workshop later this week.

Iran to use electronic consignment note: e-CMR

The additional protocol to the UN Convention concerning the digital consignment note will enter into force in Iran on 6 February 2018, paving the way for easier and more efficient shipment of goods, facilitating trade and preparing for fully digital logistics operations.

Oman to host major global road transport congress

ASYAD, Oman’s logistics Group, has been selected to host the IRU World Congress 2018 in Muscat; partnership signed today in Muscat.

Spike in Iran trade volumes as TIR smooths regional transit

Iran’s increasingly significant role as a transit country linking Europe, Central Asia and the International North-South Transport Corridor countries, is highlighted by recent increases in volumes of TIR operations.

TIR in focus as Jordanian-Iraqi border reopens

The Jordanian-Iraqi border – a vital route for trade and land transport between the two countries – has reopened this week, casting TIR as a critical tool to provide a much needed mechanism for trade facilitation and transit.

Sudan eyes TIR to spur growth

Meetings in Khartoum put the focus on TIR as a means for Sudan to increase competitiveness as a transit hub, boost exports, generate jobs and expand economic activities.

UAE tees up on TIR

IRU has conducted a training session in the UAE, with presentations on specific TIR services and tools as well as practical scenarios for the implementation of the system with a view to it becoming operational next month. 

Road transport transformation to enable growth for Oman

IRU joins forces with Oman Global Logistics Group (OGLG) to reinforce the country’s potential as a major logistics hub, served by a robust road transport sector.