Iraq enters a new commercial era and approaches the “path of development.”
Iraq enters a new commercial era and approaches the “path of development.”
2025-03-25 04:22
Shafaq News/ The American Transportation Bulletin, a website specializing in commercial shipping affairs, reported that Iraq will begin implementing a global transportation system next week, marking the beginning of a new era in logistics services and international trade .
A report by the website, translated by Shafaq News Agency, explained that the TIR system will become fully operational when it begins operating in Iraq on April 1, 2025 .
It is worth noting that TIR is an international customs transit system that allows goods to pass from the country of origin to the country of destination in sealed containers with customs controls throughout the supply chain, allowing transport companies and customs authorities to save significant time and money at borders .
The report considered that through this important achievement, Iraq will strengthen its position as a major commercial center in the Middle East, making the transport of goods more efficient and secure across and beyond Iraq’s borders .
In addition, the report stated that the TIR system will play a significant role in transforming the “Development Road” project in Iraq into reality, noting that this project will connect southern Iraq to its north and provide an effective trade corridor linking Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Turkey, and Europe .
According to the US report, logistics and transportation companies are ready to begin implementing TIR operations from points of departure such as Mersin in Turkey to the Gulf Cooperation Council countries via the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr. The report added that pilot operations have shown that this journey can be completed in less than a week, compared to a minimum of 14 days via the Red Sea, or 26 days if the ship has to go around Africa .
The report quoted Iraqi Transport Minister Razzaq Al-Saadawi as saying, “The operation of the TIR system in Iraq, in which the IRU played a significant role, represents a major achievement, positioning the country for a new era of potential investment and trade with our neighbors and other countries in the region .”
According to the Iraqi minister, TIR will benefit from Iraq’s strategic location and contribute to enhancing the efficiency of cross-border trade. He noted that this move, supported by Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, will reduce transportation time by 80% and costs by 38%, providing significant economic benefits and job opportunities. He added that Iraq has worked over the past two years to develop its land transport infrastructure in cooperation with all relevant parties. He noted, “We are committed to maximizing the benefits of the system in Iraq to support the transportation sector and the national economy .”
Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union, also expressed his enthusiasm for this “historic” achievement. The report quoted him as saying, “For nearly eight decades, the TIR system has contributed to promoting secure trade, and I look forward to seeing the first TIR truck cross Iraqi territory.” He noted that these trucks will transit the country smoothly and will move through corridors that provide a high level of security, opening a new chapter for Iraq’s role in international trade .
The report also quoted De Pretto as saying that with reduced transportation times and costs across the country and the region, this will be a historic moment for global trade and for promoting economic integration in the Middle East .
He concluded that by integrating the electronic pre-declaration system with the local Iraqi TIR platform, shipment information will be submitted in advance, enhancing the efficiency of customs procedures. He added that throughout the shipment’s journey, trucks can be closely monitored using GPS technology, with regular checkpoints in place to ensure the safety of shipments and means of transport until they reach their final destination safely and on time .
shafaq.com
