Turkish operators and IRU seek to strengthen Middle East corridors

IRU member UND's latest Middle East Working Group meeting focused on how the TIR system can support faster and more secure transport.

The Middle East Working Group met recently to discuss new developments in Middle East transport and the growing role of TIR in facilitating trade across the region.

Erman Ereke, IRU's General Delegate in Istanbul, presented the benefits of TIR for GCC-bound operations. TIR simplifies customs procedures, reduces border crossing times, lowers transport costs, and provides a more predictable and secure transport process for operators.

Participants exchanged views on operational challenges faced by transport companies and explored opportunities to expand the use of TIR across regional transport corridors.

IRU and the working group also visited the Cilvegözü and Yayladağı border crossings to assess the procedures and operational conditions.

During the site visits, the delegation met with customs authorities. They examined border crossing procedures, the steadily increasing volume of transport operations between Türkiye and the GCC region, and the role of TIR in enabling faster and more efficient cross-border movements.

The discussion underlined the importance of close cooperation between customs, operators and IRU to further improve border efficiency and support the growing demand for regional trade.

The visit reaffirmed IRU's commitment to working closely with its members, public authorities and industry stakeholders to promote efficient, secure and seamless transport corridors connecting Türkiye, the GCC, and the wider Middle East region by expanding the use of TIR.