On March 13, seven heavy trucks with TIR plates departed from the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao, marking the official launch of a direct TIR road transport route connecting the zone with Azerbaijan.

The initial convoy carries nearly 120 metric tons of Chinese high-end manufacturing equipment, including core components of production lines such as cooling boxes and laminators. Traveling via the Khorgos Port and passing through Kazakhstan, Russia, and Azerbaijan, the vehicles are expected to reach Baku within 13 days.

"This new route cuts transport time in half compared to sea freight," said Zhang Quanwen of a local cross-border e-commerce operations company. "The TIR system's 'no transshipment' model ensures cargo safety and efficiency."

Using the TIR convention's streamlined customs procedures, the route significantly boosts trade with West Asia. "It combines international mutual recognition with the convenience of customs clearance at the port," explained Song Tao of Jiaozhou Customs.

By the end of February, the SCO demonstration zone had operated five TIR routes, serving over 1,000 trade enterprises with 779 shipments — ranking first nationwide in outbound trips. The new corridor further strengthens Qingdao's position as an international logistics hub, providing faster, safer access for "Made in China" goods to reach Eurasian markets.

On March 13, seven heavy trucks with TIR plates depart from the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]