The first pilot truck caravan to test the overland trade route from Uzbekistan through Kyrgyzstan to China set off from Tashkent, ahead of the forthcoming implementation of the TIR system in China.
The caravan, travelling along a route from Tashkent-Andizhan-Osh-Irkeshtam and arriving in Kashghar, is an important step in reinforcing the benefits that TIR will bring to this trade corridor, including spurring investment and economic growth for the communities along the route and beyond.
The only global customs transit system, TIR is already operational in Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as across Central Asia and Europe.
China’s recent ratification of the UN TIR Convention will significantly increase the potential volume of international trade in the region and provide new benefits for landlocked Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan.
Increased collaboration and information exchange between China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan on customs, administration, transport and technical needs will further the development of the necessary harmonisation of transport regulations and processes that IRU has long championed to improve mobility, trade and economic growth.
The caravan took 20 hours travelling along a route of a total length of 950 km and is expected to boost new momentum for trade growth among the three countries. The initiative has highlighted that road conditions are good for truck transport year round and looking to the future, the three ministries are planning to align regulations, legal frameworks, and other matters to improve the transition efficiency before the route is open for routine business operations.
