Chinese logistics company Zhengzhou Hongyi Transportation has initiated road freight services connecting Shenzhen to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, covering a distance of 6,500 kilometers. The International Road Transport Union (IRU) reports that this new route has substantially reduced travel time from 20 days to just 7 days.
A truck full of electronics departing from Shenzhen, going through Kyrgyz territory, and finally reaching Tashkent was the first to make this route. The shortened travel time is expected to boost trade between the two cities and streamline border procedures, ultimately leading to reduced logistics costs.
The IRU, which highlighted the positive impact of this new route on trade relations, emphasized that it is a significant step towards enhancing connectivity between Shenzhen, a major manufacturing hub in southern China, and Central Asia. The organization commended the efforts to accelerate development along the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan corridor.
Following the success of the Shenzhen-Almaty TIR route in 2023, this new route further underscores Shenzhen's commitment to expanding TIR transport corridors. The recently activated route, facilitated by IRU member ZZHY, signifies another milestone in China's efforts to facilitate swift and secure door-to-door road transport.
The route involved exiting China via the Irkeshtam border crossing, passing through Kyrgyzstan, and reaching the final destination in Uzbekistan. Tatiana Rey-Bellet, Director of TIR and Transit at IRU, highlighted the strategic importance of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan corridor.
"The opening of this new route will help southern China’s manufacturing hub of Shenzhen to further enhance its connectivity with Central Asia," she stated.
Rey-Bellet emphasized the benefits for companies in Shenzhen, citing the efficiency, security, and cost-effectiveness of the TIR system.
In addition, Uzbek hauliers are exploring alternative routes to the Chinese market. Notably, three TIR trucks from Uzbekistan recently arrived in Foshan, southern China, after transiting through Kazakhstan, further expanding the network of Chinese TIR operational inland cities to 14. These routes offer secure transport options that are over 80% faster and 50% cheaper, promoting stronger economic ties between the regions.
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