With the TIR system, the journey can now be completed ten times faster.
In a major breakthrough, a new land route connecting T¨¹rkiye to Kuwait via Iraq is now operational, dramatically reducing transit times and enhancing trade efficiency and flexibility.
Hasbayrak International Transport, a leading Turkish logistics operator, successfully completed the first shipment using this route under the TIR transit system. Three trucks carrying fresh fruit and vegetables departed from T¨¹rkiye and reached Kuwait in just four days, a significant improvement over the traditional 45-day maritime route.
The TIR-registered trucks transited Iraq via the Al Abdali border crossing, completing customs procedures at the inland Sulaybia Dry Port ¨C a strong sign of the country¡¯s operational readiness.
The move also marked the official reactivation of TIR in Kuwait, under the directive of H.E. Kuwait¡¯s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, and the support of the General Administration of Customs.
ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½Director of TIR and Transit Services Tatiana Rey-Bellet said, ¡°I am extremely proud of the transformative impact TIR is having in making trade faster, easier and more secure.
¡°With this new route through Iraq cutting the transit time by more than 90%, consumers can enjoy fresher, higher-quality products, boosting the competitiveness of transport operators and strengthening the security of cross-border trade.
¡°ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½strongly values the collaboration with its members and national authorities in turning this strategic trade route into reality and supporting Iraq¡¯s reconstruction.¡±
Hasbayrak International Transport Owner Hasan Bayrak said, ¡°In the past, we had to use long and difficult routes to reach this region. Now, with Iraq open for business, the transit route is reliable, travel time is shorter, and the entire process has been streamlined.
¡°The TIR system has made a huge difference, customs procedures are significantly faster, we avoid long waiting times at border crossings, and our documents are processed smoothly. This brings real efficiency not only for us transporters but also for our customers, both exporters and importers.
¡°Having direct access to high-potential markets like Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE via Iraq is a tremendous development for our industry. For Turkish international transporters, the opening of this route through Iraq is a game-changer.
¡°Thank you to ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½and all the authorities for making this happen.¡±
The TIR system became officially operational in Iraq on 1 April 2025. Close collaboration between ÃÛÌÒ´«Ã½members GCLT and Transforat and national authorities is proving key to ensuring secure and efficient transit across the country.
