OREANDA-NEWS. Ahead of the upcoming implementation of TIR in China, the major overland trade route between China and Russia is being tested over a 2,200km route which passes through the strategic transit country Mongolia.

Organised by the transport ministries of Russia, China and Mongolia and supported by IRU the seven day pilot caravan stopped in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar after four successful days on the road and was warmly welcomed during an official ceremony held by the Mongolian Ministry of Road and Transport Development.
China ratified the UN TIR Convention last month and in the lead-up to its implementation is testing out the ancient Tea Road route which passes through strategically located Mongolia.

Dmitry Cheltsov, who leads IRU’s work in Eurasia addressed Mongolia’s Minister of Road and Transport Development, Ganbat Dangaa and the heads of the official delegations from China and Russia.

He said “This pilot caravan highlights the advantages that this new trade route will bring in the future.  When TIR is up and running in China it will significantly increase the volume of foreign trade cargo flows and international trade in the region”.

Mr Batkhuu Gavaa, President of IRU member association NARTAM said “Land-locked countries like Mongolia will become land-linked countries providing access to the sea, opening new trade routes and contributing to prosperity and modern road infrastructures in the region.”