BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 21.
Member states of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) support
the expansion of the digital TIR system.


This was reported by the International Road Transport Union
(IRU).


IRU pointed out that the heads of customs administrations of the
OTS member states reaffirmed their support for the expansion of the
TIR system and its digital version, eTIR. These systems are of
significant importance for strengthening transport connectivity in
the region, accelerating border-crossing procedures, and enhancing
security.


According to the information, the 12th meeting of the heads of
customs administrations of the OTS member states, held in Bishkek,
Kyrgyzstan, was attended by the heads of customs services, as well
as OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, World Customs
Organization (WCO) Secretary General Ian Saunders, and IRU Director
for TIR and Transit Services Tatiana Rey-Bellet.


The meeting highlighted the role of the TIR and eTIR systems in
facilitating trade and transit. The participants noted the
importance of utilizing proven international mechanisms to simplify
customs procedures and strengthen regional cooperation.


eTIR system expands in Central
Asia


"Currently, the eTIR system is operational across several
transport corridors connecting Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.


Meanwhile, Türkiye and Kazakhstan are preparing to launch eTIR
operations on the Türkiye-Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan
routes, respectively.


These developments represent a significant milestone in the
advancement of digital transit connectivity within Central Asia and
the broader region," the report noted.


Rey-Bellet highlighted the role of collaboration among customs
authorities, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe
(UNECE), the IRU, and the OTS in achieving this progress.


She also identified the expansion of the eTIR system toward
Europe and China as a key priority, with preparatory work currently
underway. The objective is to establish digital transit corridors
connecting Asia and Europe, with the OTS region playing a central
role.







Digitalization should accelerate border-crossing
procedures


The meeting also addressed the translation of digital solutions
into tangible results at borders. The OTS supports the
implementation of "green lanes" to facilitate the faster movement
of low-risk cargo, thereby allowing customs authorities to focus
their attention on high-risk shipments. The IRU has proposed
extending this practice to eTIR operations.


Equipping customs representatives and transport operators with
the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively utilize digital
systems was also identified as a key priority. The customs
administration of Uzbekistan emphasized the importance of
continuous training during the transition from paper-based
procedures to fully digital TIR operations.


Rey-Bellet noted that the IRU will continue to support customs
administrations through technical cooperation, training, as well as
the implementation of safe and transparent transit procedures.


"As an organization representing the road transport sector and
the wider supply chain, as well as having a mandate to manage the
TIR system, the IRU is fully committed to supporting customs
administrations to achieve their goals of safe and facilitated
transit and trade," she said.


Strengthening position of Kyrgyzstan as transit
center


Within the framework of the meeting, Rey-Bellet and Urmat
Kambarov, chairman of the Logistics and Transit Association (AliT),
a new member of the IRU, met with the head of the department for
monitoring the implementation of the decisions of the President and
the Cabinet of Ministers of the Presidential Administration of
Kyrgyzstan, Azamat Apsatarov.


At the meeting, measures were discussed to make Kyrgyzstan a
more attractive transit country, especially for goods from
China.


Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan were the first countries to use the
operational eTIR corridor in the region. Further improvement of
procedures at border crossing points and inland logistics points
can increase trade transparency.