Customs authorities, TIR transport companies and IRU members from China, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia and Uzbekistan came together at a recent TIR workshop to exchange know-how and unlock economic and trade potential.
IRU recently organised a TIR workshop at the China-Kazakhstan Khorgos International Center for Boundary Cooperation.
Following an overview of TIR developments in China, Central Asia and the Caucasus by IRU, the participants shared their experiences advancing TIR transport.
They discussed, among other topics, best practices for TIR transport, particularly for starting and terminating TIR operations in China, which facilitate transit procedures in neighbouring countries.
The discussions also focused on measures to enhance the efficiency of customs clearance through the exchange of transit data between customs authorities via TIR-EPD.
Other topics that were explored include efforts by customs and road transport associations to assist operators in boosting the efficiency of China-Central Asia/Caucasus transport operations, as well as express lanes at borders for TIR movements. TIR Green Lanes cut border crossing times, optimise transit flows with risk management mechanisms, and increase transit security.
The participants also weighed actions to strengthen coordination and cooperation. The workshop served as an international cooperation platform, helping to further enhance knowledge sharing and mutual trust, promote the growth of TIR transport, and support the diversified and sustainable development of logistics corridors across Eurasia.
The workshop was attended by IRU members AIRCUZ (Uzbekistan), CEVA Logistics (China), CRTA (China), KAZATO (Kazakhstan), NARTAM (Mongolia) and GIRCA (Georgia).
Border visit
Following the workshop, the participants visited the Nur-Zholy border crossing in Kazakhstan.
Kazakh customs authorities demonstrated how TIR Green Lanes efficiently and securely prioritise TIR transport movements entering Kazakhstan from China.