Vienna (Commerce Desk): Umberto de Pretto, Secretary General of the International Road Transport Union (IRU), stated that trade via the Middle Corridor is expanding rapidly, with freight volumes expected to triple by 2030.
Speaking at a joint event organized by the Organization of Turkic States and the OSCE during Turkic Week in Vienna, de Pretto warned that:
"If improvements are not made in the corridor, including border crossing procedures, transport demand could fall 35% below projected growth."
He emphasized that strengthening the corridor requires facilitation, predictability, and cooperation. De Pretto also highlighted the significance of the TIR system, a globally recognized framework providing customs control, international guarantees, and secure cargo transport. The system reduces uncertainties for operators by streamlining physical inspections and documentation, making it ideal for international trade routes like the Middle Corridor.
According to de Pretto, the TIR system now connects China with more than 30 Eurasian countries, resulting in an 80% reduction in transit time and 50% cost savings. He also noted the growing importance of TIR green lanes at border checkpoints, which provide priority passage, faster processing, and predictable delivery times for compliant trucks.
Countries including all Central Asian states, Romania, Moldova, China, Mongolia, and Saudi Arabia have introduced priority lanes or windows for TIR vehicles. De Pretto emphasized:
