Eurasian border crossings are finding it increasingly difficult to cope with shifting and rising freight flows. What is the solution?
The recent Eurasian Economic Forum in Yerevan, Armenia, brought together transport ministries, international and financial organisations, and a range of transport companies.
During a panel session on transport connectivity in Eurasia, IRU General Delegate to Eurasia Vadim Zakharenko said:
“With the continued shift in transport corridors and growing freight volumes in the region, road transport operators and drivers are facing unprecedented long queues and delays at key border crossings.”
He further noted how these border challenges are worsening the chronic shortage of drivers.
So, what is the solution?
“After 75 years, the TIR system remains a critical trade tool for both the public and private sectors. A recent study by the Central Asia Regional Economic Cooperation Program found that TIR cuts border-crossing times by nearly a third and costs by almost sixfold in Central Asia,” said Vadim Zakharenko.
“The successful implementation of express TIR Green Lanes and the integration of advance cargo information with TIR-EPD (electronic pre-declaration) into border management systems, such as e-queues, will further advance the efficiency and security of cross-border trade. Lastly, IRU calls on all Eurasian Economic Union countries to swiftly implement eTIR to continue reaping the benefits that the region has already experienced from TIR digitalisation,” he added.
