Problems identification and proposals for solutions in regard trasport along the TRACECA Corridor

The meeting on prospects for the development of international road transport organized online on 18 May 2021 by the International Permanent Secretariat of TRACECA brought together over 100 participants from 13 TRACECA member states, including representatives of state bodies, international and intergovernmental organizations such as the BSEC, ECO, SCO, IRU, BSEC-URTA, national representatives of road and sea carriers, ports and major logistics companies directly involved in the transport process along the routes of the TRACECA corridor.

In the opening of the meeting the Secretary General of the IRU, Mr. Umberto De Pretto emphasized that:

“Digital transport documents are key to reducing physical contact at borders and eTIR has been identified by the UN Secretary General as an essential trade facilitation tool, enabling drivers and customs to exchange electronic information and facilitating the flow of goods across borders. With all TRACECA countries already TIR operational and the legal basis for eTIR entering into force next week, IRU is working alongside UNECE to support the full implementation of eTIR along the corridor and enable operators and societies to enjoy the benefits of faster, cheaper and more secure road transport.”

During the meeting, Mr. Alper Ozel, the Chairman of the Executive Committee of UND, a member association of BSEC-URTA made a comprehensive presentation regarding the digitalization of transport documents, the simplification and facilitation of border crossing procedures, needed regulations, removal of road user charges and other charges and fees applied along the corridor as well as on the utmost need for the freedom of transit along the TRACECA corridor.

At the end of the meeting the Secretary General of TRACECA, Mr. Asset Assavbayev, underlined that: 

"At present, together with the authorized state bodies of the TRACECA member states, we are working on the Action Plan for 2022-2026. Therefore, the issues raised today within the virtual session will be worked out with countries in order to simplify transport procedures as much as possible and eliminate "bottlenecks" of the TRACECA corridor."