The International Road Transport Union (IRU) announced during its visit last week that Iraq is moving towards implementing its first historic transport operation through the International Road Transport (TIR) system.

The IRU stated, "A delegation from the International Road Transport Union (IRU) visited Iraq last week to lay the foundation for the country's first cross-border transport operation under the International Road Transport (TIR) system.

"Iraq is close to achieving a historic milestone in cross-border trade, with the first transport operation under the TIR system expected soon. This event represents a significant moment for the country and a major step towards full integration into the internationally recognized customs transit system.

"Last week, the IRU held key discussions with stakeholders in the public and private sectors, reinforcing Iraq's commitment to modernizing the trade sector and adopting best international practices.

"A specialized workshop was organized during the visit, focusing on the importance of United Nations international agreements, such as the TIR Convention and the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). Experts highlighted the vital role of these agreements in simplifying cross-border trade, enhancing trade security, and reducing road accidents. Discussions also covered the importance of professional excellence in the road transport sector and developing strong regulatory frameworks to support it.

"Public-private cooperation was one of the main themes in the meetings, emphasizing its essential role in achieving these goals," noting that "effective coordination between government authorities and the private sector is crucial to ensure the smooth implementation of the TIR system and the ADR Agreement, which enhances Iraq's position in regional and global trade.

As Iraq prepares for this achievement, it stands on the brink of a new era in transport and international trade, adopting best global practices to enhance efficiency, security, and economic growth.