The International Road Transport Union (IRU) has reported the opening of a second TIR logistics hub in western China, strategically located in Urumqi.
This new hub is said to be part of China’s efforts to enhance trade routes along the Belt and Road Initiative and strengthen connectivity between Asia and Europe.
The Urumqi TIR Logistics Hub, accredited by the IRU, provides services including customs clearance, warehousing, cargo handling, route development, and transport-capacity matching. The hub aims to streamline operations and reduce transit times, benefiting both transport companies and supply chain players.
Commenting on the opening of the facility, Xinjiang International Land Port Chairman Junjiang Si said:
“The establishment of the Urumqi TIR Logistics Hub will further open up ‘door-to-door’ corridors for international road transport and trade, in both directions. In addition to TIR, the Urumqi TIR Logistics Hub offers services such as warehousing, cargo handling and multimodal solutions, optimising transport and trade,” he added.
IRU Director of TIR and Transit, Tatiana Rey-Bellet, added:
“Building on Urumqi’s strategic advantages and IRU’s 75 years of experience advancing TIR, the hub will further facilitate trade along China-Europe transport corridors, bringing more opportunities and benefits to supply chain players in the region and beyond.”
IRU Chief Representative of East and Southeast Asia Ran Wang also commented:
“The launch of the TIR logistics hub will help Urumqi in its quest to become an international trade hub connecting Asia and Europe. With the strong support of customs, transport departments, local governments and industry partners, the TIR Logistics Hub will advance the prosperity and development of Xinjiang and China’s international road transport industry.”
The TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system, supported by the United Nations, is a globally recognized framework that allows goods to be transported across borders with minimal customs procedures.
By utilising TIR, the IRU says transit times are reduced by up to 80%, while transport costs can be cut by up to 50%.