KABUL (SW): A stimulative session for businessmen and traders was held in Kabul on Wednesday to create awareness about Transports Internationaux Routiers" or "International Road Transports, the Convention on International Transport of Goods Under Cover of TIR Carnets.
TIR was re-launched in Afghanistan on 4 September 2013 and now Afghanistan is as the 58th country to enjoy facilitated and secure trade by international road transport, as the TIR System. The TIR Convention, while offering a high level of security, enables door-to-door transport with minimum interference at the international borders of contracting parties to the TIR Convention and thus serves, in the best possible way. With this, Afghanistan aims to improve its global trade.
Mohammad Younus, deputy president of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries (ACCA)'s Administrative Board, said TIR is particularly helpful in reducing custom tariffs, and facilitate international trade. He mentioned that the exports have seen a decline, but imports increased following the ratification of the TIR Convention. Younus mentioned that up to 1286 containers of goods have been imported during this period, and only 17 containers have been exported.
It was noted that the traders and drivers in particular are facing hurdles in receiving visas, and expediting trade due to faulty roads, vague regulations and lack of cooperation by some TIR member countries.
Shafiqullah Qarizada, deputy minister at the Ministry of Finance, said on the occasion the TIR Convention can bring positive change in the lives of the people. He said the MoF has many plans and programs in sight to utilize the best of the TIR Convention. The deputy minister said TIR administrative systems would be set-up at dry ports across the country.
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