Efficient and digital road transport systems are essential for driving economic growth, fostering regional integration, and strengthening resilience across the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) region. This message was at the heart of discussions during the Fifth Consultative Forum of the Regional Cooperation Organisations, held recently in Istanbul, Türkiye.
The forum, hosted by the Islamic Development Bank, brought together regional and international organisations, development banks, and private sector representatives. It focused on unlocking opportunities to enhance trade facilitation, investment, and connectivity across the OIC’s 57 member countries.
Speaking at the event, Tatiana Rey-Bellet, Director of TIR and Transit at the International Road Transport Union (IRU), highlighted that true connectivity goes beyond just building infrastructure. She stated that connectivity is also about creating economic opportunities, promoting regional integration, and ensuring long-term stability. She emphasised the importance of collaboration between partners to build value chains and develop multimodal transport corridors, supported by efficient port logistics, seamless land-sea transfers, and digital innovations that simplify and speed up supply chains.
The IRU also showcased the continued success of the TIR (Transports Internationaux Routiers) system, a global transit framework that enables secure, efficient, and sustainable cross-border trade. By streamlining procedures, TIR helps reduce costs, cut emissions, and support regional cooperation.
Rey-Bellet pointed to Iraq’s recent accession to the TIR system as a significant development for the region. She explained that this milestone has opened secure and efficient land routes connecting six neighbouring OIC member states, while also linking the Middle East to broader global markets. She added that expanding the use of TIR and sharing best practices across the region will be key to unlocking its full potential.
Globally, the TIR system has been proven to reduce transit times by up to 92% and cut transport costs by as much as 50%. With the rollout of digital TIR (eTIR), countries are gaining even greater efficiencies. Some have already introduced Green Lanes at border crossings specifically for TIR shipments, enabling faster clearance of pre-declared goods.
The forum concluded with a strong call for increased cooperation between governments, financial institutions, and the private sector. Strengthening road transport connectivity through secure, digital, and sustainable systems like TIR is seen as a vital step toward achieving greater economic prosperity across the OIC region.