At a major international event in Brazil, attended by over 1,000 public and private sector representatives, IRU outlined how the global TIR transit system would unlock significant efficiency and security benefits for the Bioceanic Corridor.
The recent international event on the Bioceanic Corridor, organised by the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul, brought together government and industry leaders from Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Chile.
The event focused on the development and regional integration opportunities provided by the Bioceanic road corridor, which aims to strengthen connectivity and cooperation between the four countries, promoting sustainable growth, improving infrastructure, and strengthening local economies.
Experts and officials present stressed the urgent need for a transit system that enhances trade efficiency and predictability while strengthening security for authorities.
“The UN-backed TIR system would bring the efficiency and security South America needs to maximise its investment in the Bioceanic Corridor,” said Ana Luiza Taliberti, IRU’s Senior Legal Adviser TIR & Transit Services. “Coupling this major infrastructure investment with the proven trade facilitation tool that is TIR will be key to the corridor’s success.”
Lucas Lagier, IRU’s Senior TIR and Transit Manager, underscored the critical role of trust in advancing customs facilitation. “Streamlined customs transit is the final piece of the puzzle. But real progress depends on building trust, not just between countries, but also between the public and private sectors.”
Antônio Lindemberg, Superintendent of the Federal Revenue Service in Brazil, also noted how streamlining customs procedures is key to the corridor’s goal of cutting logistics costs and reducing transit times to Asian markets.
“Infrastructure is crucial, but we must also harmonise customs regulations across the four countries. Otherwise, the corridor risks becoming just another road route, lacking the competitiveness needed to attract investment and trade,” said Antônio Lindemberg.
IRU further added how integrating TIR would align the Bioceanic Corridor with global best practices, transforming it into a powerful driver of regional economic growth. Brazil’s Congress is currently discussing the country’s accession to the TIR system.
“If Brazil joins the TIR Convention, goods will be able to travel directly from their point of origin to their final destination without multiple customs stops, boosting both security and efficiency in foreign trade,” said Antônio Lindemberg.
To date, 77 countries and the European Union have adopted the TIR Convention, the UN’s longest-running public-private partnership.
Governors’ meeting
On the sidelines of the event, IRU participated in the 6th Forum of Subnational Governments of the Bioceanic Corridor.
The TIR system was again a key point of discussion, with IRU presenting its key benefits.
Commenting on the TIR system, Jaime Verruck, Brazil’s Secretary of Environment, Development, Science, Technology and Innovation from Mato Grosso do Sul government, said, “IRU’s presentation was essential. The TIR system is a fundamental part of addressing customs challenges.”
“Argentina, Uruguay and Chile have already joined the system, while Paraguay and Brazil have not yet. It is crucial for Brazil to move forward with the approval,” he added.
To accelerate Brazil’s accession to the TIR system, the government will mobilise the federal representatives of Mato Grosso do Sul to seek support and accelerate its evaluation.