In a landmark development towards regional connectivity, National Logistics Cell (NLC) has been awarded Transports Internationaux Routiers (TIR) admission by the Pakistan National Authorization Committee of International Transport Union for regional transport operations. TIR admission allows the movement of cargo across the borders without procedural hiccups. Admission of vehicles under TIR has been a missing link in Pakistan, which is considered key to boosting international trade.
NLC plans to undertake TIR operations to Turkey and Azerbaijan shortly and will be the leading TIR operator to undertake regional trade. This effort is aimed at enhancing regional trade to help improve the economic stability of the country as a national cause. The initiative has a great potential for the growth of the local industry in terms of creating new opportunities for the Pakistani business community in the regional markets through reduced costs.
NLC will offer end-to-end logistics services to the business community avoiding lengthy and time-consuming processes involved in traditional trade through the sea. In the case of Turkey, for example, the supply chain/delivery shipment time will be reduced to 8-10 days as against sea mode which normally takes 27- 48 days.
Initially, transportation linkage will be established with Turkey and Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. Subsequently, transportation services under TIR will be extended to other countries in the region. NLC’s TIR operation will be instrumental in ensuring ease of doing business besides contributing towards Pakistan’s performance on the global Logistics Performance Index.
TIR operations will not only help boost Pakistan’s economy but will also enable landlocked countries in the region to have shorter access to international markets through Pakistani ports.
