BSEC-URTA in Iraq: Strengthening the Development Road Corridor and Regional Transit Connectivity
BSEC-URTA was in Iraq, the starting point of the strategic Development Road Corridor, to advance international road transport and strengthen connectivity between the Black Sea region and the Gulf countries.
In line with a decision of the BSEC-URTA Management Council, a delegation comprising BSEC-URTA Deputy Secretary General Alpdoğan Kahraman, IRU representative Erman Ereke, TOBB TIR Department expert Levent Demirel, and UND representatives held important meetings with the authorities of Northern Iraq to facilitate and accelerate international transit operations.
The TIR System: A New Gateway for Global Trade
Thanks to the visionary approach of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), the introduction of the TIR system for transit operations through Iraq marked a major milestone in regional connectivity.
The remarkably fast transit operations achieved during the initial implementation demonstrated that road transport through Iraq can offer a fast, cost-effective, and competitive alternative to maritime routes, opening new opportunities for global trade and strengthening the diversification of international supply chains.
Concrete Steps to Accelerate Transit Transport
Against the backdrop of recently declining transit volumes, particularly for transport operations destined for Kuwait, the delegation held constructive discussions with Northern Iraqi authorities.
Important understandings were reached to accelerate transit procedures, improve operational coordination, and facilitate international road transport through Iraq.
Connecting the Black Sea Region to the Gulf and Beyond
Iraq’s strategic position within the Development Road Corridor offers significant opportunities to connect the BSEC region with the Middle East, the Gulf countries, and global markets.
BSEC-URTA remains committed to working closely with IRU, national transport associations, and relevant authorities to remove transport barriers, accelerate border crossings, and develop competitive international transport corridors for the benefit of the entire BSEC transport community.
