TIR is Transports Internationaux Routiers (International Road Transport). Managed by the International Road Transport Union (IRU), TIR is a Customs transit system that simplifies the movement of cargoes across at least one international border. The principles and guidelines for implementing TIR are described in the TIR Convention 1975. In September 2013, TIR was re-activated after three decades of suspension. This event was hailed as a solution for land-locked Afghanistan to access export destinations at a lower cost and shorter time. However the implementation of TIR is not easy. There are domestic and external challenges that impede Afghan exporters and transport operators in utilizing this system. Internally, transport operators and drivers may not be fully understand the TIR Convention, or have the delivery trucks that fail to meet the required specifications. Customs officers need to be trained to inspect trucks and apply controls to ensure the high standards of security. Also, both the private and public sectors have to be familiar with the use of TIR Carnets. While the stakeholders are well aware of the benefits of TIR, more has to be done to address the challenges that exporters in Afghanistan face to fully utilize the TIR Convention and enjoy the advantages of this international system. Today(29 November 2014) here in Kabul a conference held by Ministry of Commerce and Industries (Transit and Trade Facilitation Department) in conjunction with the relevant ministries/agencies. The target audience was the exporters, traders, freight forwarders and transport operators who are directly involved in cross-border trade. The objective of the event was to provide a platform for the public sector to share the TIR initiatives, and for the private sector to voice out their concerns and recommendations. In the spirit of public-private partnership, the objective is to let both parties work jointly to realize the full implementation of TIR in Afghanistan in the near future.
Posted on: Sat, 29 Nov 2014 13:35:27 +0000
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