OREANDA-NEWS. September 06, 2016. Since China ratified the United Nations TIR Convention in July it has begun gearing up for TIR implementation.

IRU is currently welcoming a Chinese delegation for a broad range of meetings, workshops and training in Geneva. Supporting the roll-out of TIR in China, and China’s broader harmonisation with international transport standards and regulations, the sessions have focused on trade facilitation, customs issues and international agreements. In particular, the delegation has looked at several important UN transport conventions and the potential for China to ratify them to further support TIR implementation.

Over 20 officials from the Chinese Ministry of Transport, China Customs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs are attending the meetings organised by IRU at its headquarters in Geneva. IRU has also coordinated additional sessions with UNECE at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva and the World Trade Organisation at their headquarters.

The TIR Convention will enter into force in China in January 2017, making border crossings faster, more secure and more efficient, reducing transport costs, and boosting trade and development.

China’s ratification of TIR has put a spotlight on facilitating the country’s One Belt, One Road initiative and its potential for regional development and economic prosperity along the routes.