IRU addresses the world’s customs and international organisations in Shanghai this week, highlighting the security benefits of TIR as China forges ahead to lead the global effort to combat illegal cross-border activities.
IRU Secretary General, Umberto de Pretto, said, “The TIR system was developed to enable former enemies to trade with one another after the Second World War. It is a tried and tested tool to ensure the security of international trade and is now expanding to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. I believe the security benefits and vast coverage of TIR will help effectively combat illicit trade at a global scale.”
Organised by China Customs and the World Customs Organization, the meetings in Shanghai gathered together 20 WCO member states as well as representatives from ten international operations. The purpose was to conclude a global operation to combat illicit trade – “Demeter VI”, which was initiated by China Customs in March 2018.
Mr de Pretto met with Ni Yuefeng, Minister of China Customs, and referred to the operation as "a pioneering success" in international collaboration. In the same vain, they discussed further cooperation on promoting intermodal TIR, digital TIR and opening more borders for TIR transport in China.