Businesses from Belarus and China took part in an IRU webinar last Thursday to discuss the continuity of logistics flows and supply chains. The event took place on the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
China and Belarus both consider the transport and logistics sector as a key area of collaboration, particularly in the framework of China’s Belt and Road initiative. Seen as a trade gateway to Europe, Belarus is well located to advance Belt and Road prospects, with experience and capacity to meet the growing demand for road transport cooperation from China.
On a bilateral basis, the two governments have already adopted international road transport agreements and visa-free arrangements, which facilitate economic cooperation and business networking. In addition, IRU has worked hard in recent years to establish and promote the China-CIS-EU road corridor using TIR, which has connected China with over 30 Belt and Road countries.
The webinar was co-hosted by IRU’s member in Belarus, BAMAP. Participants included transport operators from Belarus and IRU corporate members from China, namely CEVA Logistics, Huawei, SPSI, JUSDA, HYE Express and ZZHY. Foreseeing a very promising future for the China-Belarus-Europe road corridor, they all expressed their willingness to expand bilateral cooperation to further develop its potential.
Participants unanimously recognised the pivotal role of TIR along the Eurasian routes, as it helps to expedite customs clearance and increase transcontinental trade connectivity. They also highlighted that road transport and TIR can offer multiple advantages to multimodal shipments as well.
The event was organised as part of a series of webinars launched by IRU with its members to set more favourable conditions for road transport, and thus drive the post-COVID recovery. These interactive business events are one of many exclusive services available for IRU’s member network.
By creating new opportunities in response to the pandemic, IRU will continue leading members and the entire industry to ensure sustainable recovery and to build back better.