The 6,600km journey, commencing in the Chinese cities of Zhengzhou and Urumqi, traversed the Caspian Sea by ferry before reaching its destinations in Azerbaijan and Georgia. This two-week expedition marks the first instance of Chinese haulage companies utilising the TIR system along this route.
“It is encouraging to see Chinese companies successfully exploring new routes, capitalising on door-to-door road transport underpinned by the efficiency and security of the TIR system,” remarked Tatiana Rey-Bellet, IRU Director of TIR and Transit. “The Middle Corridor, an emerging and key trade route connecting the east and west, has seen record growth in transit volumes in recent years. Tried-and-tested tools, such as the TIR system, can significantly streamline customs procedures en route, ensuring that goods flow smoothly and securely across borders.”
IRU member ZZHY, one of the pilot’s transport operators, has established several new TIR routes linking China and Central Asia since joining IRU in 2022. The pilot project received backing from transport and customs authorities as well as road transport associations along the Middle Corridor.