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Nov 14 2023

Tackling Asia’s connectivity gaps: IRU outlines solutions at regional event

IRU’s Secretary General presented key measures to address connectivity gaps in Asia and beyond at ITF’s regional high-level conference in Mongolia.
As the foundation of international supply chains, transport is the lifeblood of global trade, underpinning all economic activities.

 

While trade patterns across the region are evolving rapidly, road transport is allowing landlocked countries to become land-linked, connecting them to their neighbours and global markets.

 

At the second International Transport Forum Regional High-Level Dialogue for Asia in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto said, “Emerging economies are, encouragingly, making up an ever-greater share of global freight volumes, but inefficiencies are creating bottlenecks at borders. Trade facilitation tools, such as TIR, were developed for exactly this purpose: to streamline border operations.”

 

“With internationally harmonised digital tools, such as eTIR and e-CMR, we can maximise transport and transit procedures. How can we have the audacity to talk about sustainable development goals, underpinned by economic development, social equity and environmental protection, when our drivers and goods are stuck at borders, not for hours, but for days, and sometimes even weeks.” Read more

 

Source: IRU