Baghdad: The Border Ports Authority has announced Iraq’s accession to the technically integrated TIR system. “Under the direct supervision of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, the Border Ports Authority announces the activation of international cross-border transport operations, in partnership with the International Road Transport Union and under the umbrella of the TIR system, which is technically integrated with government systems across all border crossings (land, air, and sea),” the Authority stated.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, this announcement followed two international transport trials across Iraqi territory. The first trial commenced from the port of Mersin in Turkey to Khalifa Port in Abu Dhabi, transiting through Iraq. The second trial began in Poland, passed through Turkey and Iraq, then proceeded to Jordan and Saudi Arabia, before reaching its final destination in the UAE.

The statement highlighted the successful execution of these operations, noting their time-saving and cost-reducing benefits, which will also generate non-oil government revenues for Iraq. It emphasized that the implementation of this international trade corridor through Iraqi territory complements a series of other international corridors and transport routes, realized due to government efforts to establish security and the cooperation of the ministries handling transport, ports, and customs.

The statement further explained that transit transport fosters economic and social development by creating job opportunities along roads and transport corridors within Iraq, thereby providing employment prospects for all segments of the population.