Iraq Implements Global Transit System TIR from April
Iraq will implement the global transit system TIR from 1 April 2025, marking a significant step in enhancing logistics and international trade.
According to state-run Iraqi News Agency (INA) , the Border Ports Commission announced that the system will streamline cross-border transport, strengthening Iraq's position as a key trade hub in the Middle East.
The TIR system is expected to play a crucial role in the Development Road project, linking southern and northern Iraq while providing an efficient trade corridor connecting Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Turkey, and Europe.
Logistics firms are prepared to launch TIR operations from locations such as Mersin, Turkey, to Gulf countries via Umm Qasr Port. Initial trials indicate that the journey could be completed in under a week-compared to 14 days via the Red Sea or 26 days if ships reroute around Africa.
Transport Minister Razzaq Muhibis Al-Saadawi highlighted that TIR implementation, supported by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and facilitated by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), will reduce transport times by 80% and costs by 38%, offering substantial economic benefits and job creation. Over the past two years, Iraq has developed its transport infrastructure to maximise TIR's impact on trade and the national economy.
IRU Secretary-General Umberto de Pretto welcomed the initiative, stating that TIR has facilitated secure trade for nearly eight decades. He anticipates that Iraq's integration into the system will enhance regional economic connectivity and streamline freight movement. The system's electronic pre-declaration (TIR-EPD) will integrate with Iraq's Uruk platform, enabling cargo monitoring via GPS and enhancing security through regular checkpoints.
TIR, governed by a United Nations convention and managed by IRU, is designed to ensure smooth, cost-effective, and secure international trade.
In 2023, Iraq became the 78th country to accede to the United Nations TIR Convention .
(Source: INA)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Iraq Business
a day ago
- Iraq Business
Land Allocated for Economic City in Partnership with Elsewedy Electric
By John Lee. The Iraqi Cabinet has approved the allocation of part of plot (1/89, District 14, Al-Haswa), currently owned by the Ministry of Finance and designated for the Ministry of Defence, based on the Defence Ministry's actual land needs. A total of 2,400 dunams will be allocated to the Iraq Development Fund to contract with Elsewedy Electric for the establishment of an economic city, under the terms of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by both parties. The remaining land will be allocated to the National Investment Commission (NIC) for the development of large-scale economic cities. The Cabinet also approved an exemption from Cabinet Decision No. 169 of 2022 for this land allocation. (Source: PMO)
Iraq Business
a day ago
- Iraq Business
Oil Exploration Company Completes 2D Survey in Nineveh
By John Lee. Iraq's Oil Exploration Company (IEC) has successfully completed the two-dimensional "Hadhab" seismic survey in Nineveh province. The project, carried out by the Eighth Seismic Team of the Field Operations Directorate, covered 1,691.9 km and included 33,876 energy points. According to a statement from the Ministry of Oil , this was accomplished despite challenging geographical and logistical conditions. The team adhered strictly to approved technical and environmental standards, marking a significant milestone in bolstering Iraq's energy exploration capacity. Osama Raouf Hussein, Director General of the Oil Exploration Company, praised the professionalism and dedication of the Eighth Seismic Team, calling their work an example of teamwork and ambition aligned with the sector's future needs. He reaffirmed support for all seismic teams, describing them as the cornerstone of exploration operations, and pledged to overcome all obstacles to ensure project efficiency, safety, and timely delivery. This milestone is expected to significantly contribute to the national economy by enhancing Iraq's hydrocarbon reserves and offsetting depletion. (Source: Ministry of Oil)
Iraq Business
a day ago
- Iraq Business
Iraq, Bulgaria sign MoU to Boost Agricultural Cooperation
By John Lee. Iraq's Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Abbas Jabr Al-Maliki, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with his Bulgarian counterpart, Dr. Georgi Tahov, to strengthen cooperation in the agricultural sector. The official meeting, held in Sofia and attended by Iraq's Ambassador to Bulgaria H.E. Lina Omar, focused on deepening collaboration in livestock development, scientific and technical exchange, and investment promotion. The agreement lays the groundwork for long-term joint projects aimed at driving economic growth and sustainable development in both countries. The Bulgarian delegation included Deputy Ministers Ivan Kapitanov and Yanislav Yanchev, alongside senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. (Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
