At the Zakat, Tax and Customs Conference today, IRU’s Secretary General underscored the importance of digitalising trade and called on other countries to emulate Saudi Arabia's success in maximising the benefits of the TIR system.
Organised by Saudi Arabia’s Zakat, Tax and Customs Authority (ZATCA), the conference brought together global experts and leaders to discuss emerging trends and technologies in customs and trade.
Delivering a keynote speech today, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “The TIR system would not be successful without its frontline users. Customs authorities worldwide are the custodians of TIR. They guarantee the proper implementation of its provisions and the precise use of its digital tools.
“When truck drivers queue at borders for hours, or often days and weeks, transport operators and their clients lose valuable time and money. Meanwhile, fuel is wasted, and unnecessary CO2 emissions are released.
“I would like to take a moment to congratulate ZATCA for successfully integrating TIR’s IT tools into Saudi Arabia’s customs FASAH system and, therefore, digitalising the Kingdom’s borders.
“Today, we can see the results. They are tangible. TIR trucks are crossing Saudi Arabia’s borders in under two hours, a significant achievement that has slashed total transport times by up to 92%.”
IRU has long supported ZATCA in advancing sustainable practices and streamlining trade flows in Saudi Arabia, enhancing border operations and boosting the sustainability of trade.
In his closing remarks, IRU’s Secretary General urged other countries to follow Saudi Arabia’s lead. “I am proud to see TIR, the gold standard for international trade, contribute to the Kingdom’s position as a model for efficient trade and transit in the heart of the Middle East. I invite all Arab countries to replicate Saudi Arabia’s success story with TIR.”
To learn more about the latest trade, transport and TIR trends in Saudi Arabia and beyond, explore the IRU Intelligence Briefing Road freight and trade in the Gulf Cooperation Council region – challenges and opportunities.