The first TIR journey from China to Turkmenistan following the signing of a new road transport agreement has showcased the power of streamlined cross-border trade.
China’s road transport sector has achieved a new milestone with the successful completion of an eight-day TIR operation from China to Turkmenistan.
The TIR truck, operated by IRU member ZZHY, began its 6,000km journey after completing its export customs declaration and TIR procedures at the IRU-accredited TIR Logistics Hub in Zhengzhou. It exited China via the Khorgos border crossing and travelled through Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan before arriving in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan’s capital.
This journey marks the first cross-border road freight movement under the new China–Turkmenistan bilateral road transport agreement.
“The Zhengzhou–Ashgabat TIR route reduces transport costs by 35% compared to air and cuts transport time by 50% compared to rail,” said ZZHY Deputy General Manager.
Adding that, “The Zhengzhou TIR Logistics hub supports TIR operators in developing new routes and optimising efficiency. So far, 19 domestic and international TIR operators have worked with the hub, opening 18 routes from China to Central Asia and the Caucasus.”
Turkmenistan’s strategic geographical location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia positions it as a key player along the Middle Corridor. The activation of this new route is expected to unlock new opportunities for Chinese and international carriers.
About TIR hubs
IRU-accredited TIR logistics hubs serve as one-stop shops for TIR transport companies, customs services and supply chain players, offering: customs clearance, warehousing, cargo handling, route development, and transport-capacity matching.
They are vital for expanding TIR routes, facilitating trade, and strengthening international collaboration. By the end of 2024, the hubs had attracted 40 companies from the transport, freight forwarding, and logistics sectors.
The hubs – located in Kashgar, Urumqi, Zhengzhou, Shenyang, Chengdu and Linyi – currently operate over 20 TIR routes to Central Asia, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and the Caucasus.