BSEC-URTA’s Call For Facilitation of International Road Transport
The Steering Committee on Facilitation of Road Transport of Goods in the BSEC Region was held online on 8 November 2022.
As the sectoral dialogue partner of BSEC, BSEC-URTA and the representatives of the International Road Transport Union (IRU) attended the meeting.
In the meeting, the BSEC steering committee took note of the decisions of the 39th and 40th meetings of the BSEC-URTA General Assembly concerning the facilitation of border crossings in the BSEC region and the BSEC-URTA Resolution of 27 May 2022 calling on authorities to implement measures designed to facilitate border crossings along main road transport corridors.
During the steering committee, a presentation delivered by BSEC-URTA focused on the impact of the current regional crisis on the road transport sector and border-crossing problems in the Black Sea Region and their possible solutions. The BSEC-URTA’s presentation will be circulated among the member countries.
Moreover, BSEC-URTA informed on the activities of the newly established BSEC-URTA Working Group on Digitalization of Transport Documents, as a platform for discussions on possible digital solutions, focusing on the decisions taken during its meetings, as well as on best practices in developing e-Permit.
In the steering committee meeting, a presentation was delivered by Mr. Vadim ZAKHARENKO, IRU General Delegate in Eurasia, focusing on the e-CMR accession status, benefits of digital documents, pilot projects, and relevant recommendations. Mr. Erman EREKE, IRU General Delegate, presented the latest developments in the digitalization of the TIR system and further facilitation proposals, namely – (1) Shifting from TIR Carnet to Print@Home Carnet Solution and (2) Shifting the clearance procedure from borders to inland customs offices.
The BSEC Steering Committee on Facilitation of Road Transport reiterated its appreciation to the IRU and the BSEC-URTA partners for their valuable contribution to the overall efforts to develop road infrastructure and facilitate the transport of goods in the BSEC Region.