Iraq Marks Milestone with First TIR System Experimental Trip
The Iraqi Ministry of Transport has officially announced the successful reception of its inaugural experimental trip under the TIR system, in collaboration with the International Road Transport Union (IRU). This development was publicly confirmed on Sunday by the Ministry’s media office.
In a statement, Mortada Karim Al-Shahmani, the Director General of the General Company for Land Transport, reported that the first experimental trip commenced from Turkey’s Mersin port. The cargo successfully traversed Iraqi territory, completing necessary entry procedures at the Ibrahim Al-Khalil port before continuing its journey to the Umm Qasr port, with the final destination set for Khalifa port in Abu Dhabi.
The Ministry highlighted the significance of this event, indicating Iraq’s proximity to achieving a historical milestone in cross-border trade. The continued operations under the international land transport system are anticipated to commence shortly, marking a key advancement for Iraq as it strives for full integration into the globally recognized customs transit framework.
In early February, the International Road Transport Union announced Iraq’s readiness to embark on this pivotal journey, marking a significant step toward enhancing cross-border trade capabilities. The TIR system facilitates the transportation of goods in sealed cargo units, which are subject to customs control via a multilateral, mutually recognized framework.
This initiative represents not only a logistical achievement but also a strategic move for Iraq to bolster its position in international trade and enhance economic ties with neighboring countries.
