Facilitating and Securing Trade in Afghanistan by Reactivating TIR Umberto de Pretto Deputy Secretary General © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

TIR System an overview Facilitation 2 © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011 2

Internationaux Routiers Managed by the IRU since 1949 Transports Internationaux Routiers Managed by the IRU since 1949 © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011 3

68 57 1 3 8 Contracting Parties TIR Operational Countries Contracting Party in admission process 1 In negotiation process 3 Interested Parties 8 © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011 Page 4 © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

What is the TIR System? The best multilateral facilitation instrument for international transport and trade Based on TIR Convention of 1975 Currently signed by 68 contracting parties, with the possibility to be implemented globally and multi-modally (road-rail, road-maritime, road-air) © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011 © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2010 5

Objectives of TIR To facilitate and secure trade through… Simplified & harmonised Customs guarantee and procedures Border crossing facilitation for customs officers and trade operators Improved cost effectiveness Secure door to door transport of goods under Customs control © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

WCO SAFE and TIR Convention Requirement fulfilled by   © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

Provision of Advanced Cargo Information WCO – SAFE and AEO requirements can be fully satisfied by the TIR Convention The four core elements of WCO SAFE are: Pre-departure examination Provision of Advanced Cargo Information Risk Management to security and safety Benefits For Trade 1 2 3 4 Mutual recognition & Controlled Access Electronic Pre-declaration Risk Management In TIR convention (e.g. Annex 10) Communication Platform between AEO & Authorities 1 2 3 4

US Chamber of Commerce study confirms TIR as best instrument to implement WCO Safe Framework, including AEO Status

TIR in operation in ECO countries © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

TIR Carnet issued to ECO countries: 1996 - 2010 © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

TIR in the region Candidate © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

Reactivating TIR would … Contribute to securing the movement of goods in the region; Connect Afghan businesses to global markets through the best multilateral facilitation instrument in international transport industry – TIR; Make Afghanistan a land-bridge for the entire Central, South and West Asia regions – the cornerstone of Afghan Trade, Transit and Transport Policies; Contribute to strengthened Regional Cooperation with its neighbours and beyond; Expand foreign trade operations significantly, for commodities and products in particular, perishable commodities such as fruit and vegetables especially 34 kinds of raisins, carpets to name but a few of the key products – essential for agricultural produce; Drive prosperity and ultimately peace! © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

ECO-IRU Truck Caravan: driving progress, prosperity and peace! 14

Afghanistan celebrates National Transit and Transport Day by signing MoU with IRU to re-activate TIR System Kabul, 18 October 2010 IRU Secretary General, Martin Marmy, signing MoU with the Acting Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation of Afghanistan, Dr. Daoud Ali Najafi. © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

Conclusion Action Plan is now being implemented. Should lead to TIR reactivation in Afghanistan in 2011. Any support in achieving this goal will be most welcome! © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011

www.iru.org © International Road Transport Union (IRU) 2011