TIR International Road Transport System and SCO Economic Cooperation

The TIR International Road Transport System and China-SCO Economic Cooperation

In August 2024, the world witnessed an exciting new chapter in international logistics as four trucks embarked on a groundbreaking journey that would reshape cross-border trade. Loaded with vital medical supplies, these trucks departed from the TIR assembly center in the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area (SCODA) in Qingdao, China, with their destination being Tashkent, the beating heart of Uzbekistan. This historic journey marked the inauguration of the first TIR international road transport route between SCODA and Uzbekistan, representing a significant milestone in regional economic integration and cooperation.

The TIR, or Transports Internationaux Routiers, is an ingenious international customs transit system that is fundamentally redefining cross-border transport throughout the region. This sophisticated system creates seamless logistics opportunities by dramatically simplifying border procedures, which allows transport companies to save considerable time and reduce operational costs while simultaneously making life much simpler for customs authorities across multiple jurisdictions. The system represents a triumph of international cooperation and practical diplomacy in action.

The remarkable fruits of the TIR system's implementation are already clearly apparent across the region. SCODA has successfully rolled out four triumphant TIR routes connecting China to Russia, Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Belarus, creating an extensive network of efficient trade corridors. By July of the same year, an impressive fleet of 500 TIR vehicles had already transported goods valued at over 341 million yuan (approximately $47.5 million), covering a diverse array of more than 40 distinct product categories ranging from medical supplies to industrial equipment.

The SCODA-Uzbekistan TIR link represents far more than just another transport route—it serves as a crucial gateway to new opportunities for enhanced trade between China and the entire Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states. Beyond merely boosting economic alliances, this innovative route showcases China's unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful collaboration among SCO members since assuming the organization's rotating chairmanship in 2024, demonstrating leadership through practical initiatives.

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China's Leadership and Economic Impact

According to comprehensive data from China's Customs Administration, trade figures between China and SCO nations are experiencing substantial growth. Trade between China and SCO member states surged to an impressive $512.54 billion in 2024, marking a significant 2.7 percent year-on-year increase that reflects the strengthening economic bonds. The positive momentum continues with trade volume reaching $204.92 billion in just the first five months of the year, highlighting a steady 0.8-percent growth compared to the corresponding period in the previous year.

China has adopted the compelling motto "SCO in Action" to distinguish its dynamic chairmanship approach. More than 100 carefully organized meetings and activities have been conducted to foster political trust, enhance regional security, and promote shared prosperity among member nations. Notable events including the SCO Green Development Forum, the 42nd meeting of the SCO Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure Council, and various cultural and sports initiatives underscore China's comprehensive dedication to regional unity through multiple collaborative platforms.

Tianjin's Strategic Role and Sustainable Development

On April 10, 2024, a particularly significant milestone was reached when Tianjin hosted the prestigious China-SCO Sustainable Development Industrial Investment Promotion Event. This important assembly attracted top-tier institutions and enterprises from SCO countries, effectively showcasing sustainable project opportunities across critical sectors including energy, petrochemicals, mining, and infrastructure development. The event resulted in signed agreements for 18 forward-thinking projects collectively valued at approximately 4.795 billion yuan (around $700 million), demonstrating the concrete results of pragmatic cooperation.

The vibrant city of Tianjin, strategically located in northern China, has emerged as a dynamic hub for Shanghai Cooperation Organization cooperative efforts. Leveraging its advantageous coastal port status and historical role as an early trade center, Tianjin plays an increasingly key role in the narrative of regional growth and cooperation. Since 2016, the city has established an impressive network of 24 Luban Workshops across the globe, with ten specifically located in SCO member countries, serving as a testament to China's commitment to vocational training and international skill development.

In 2024, Tianjin's trade relationships with SCO nations flourished remarkably, reaching 47.39 billion yuan and evidencing a robust 15.6 percent increase from the previous year. This growth reflects the city's successful strategy of fostering deeper economic connections. Through the development of 20 sister-city partnerships spanning across 11 SCO member countries, Tianjin continues to bolster meaningful connections and facilitate successful bilateral ventures that benefit all participating nations.

From 2018 to 2024, more than 213 new enterprises have built sturdy economic bridges between Tianjin and SCO countries, representing actual investment totaling $136.81 million. These investments span multiple sectors and demonstrate the practical benefits of sustained cooperation and mutual trust between the participating nations.

Future Prospects and Continuing Collaboration

With the successful implementation of TIR routes and various cooperation initiatives, China is demonstrating that it is not merely promoting trade for its own sake, but rather invigorating comprehensive economic activity that actively supports regional stability and sustainable development. As trucks traverse the international highways under the TIR system, this innovative approach is proving that simplifying logistics represents much more than just moving goods efficiently—it fundamentally represents moving entire nations forward toward shared prosperity and enhanced regional integration.

The engaging narrative of China's SCO chairmanship highlights the nation's proven prowess in bridging gaps between different countries and crafting lasting alliances based on mutual benefit. As economic figures continue to soar and collaborative relationships deepen across multiple sectors, China's strategic engagement is laying down a promising foundation for profound economic and cultural exchanges that will benefit the entire region for years to come, creating a new era of pragmatic cooperation among SCO nations.

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How the SCO is building a model of pragmatic cooperation

China has made concrete efforts to advance pragmatic cooperation among SCO members since assuming the organization’s rotating chairmanship in 2024.

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