Payman Sanandaji, the head of the Transportation Commission of the Tehran Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of border management in facilitating trade exchanges and announced new decisions aimed at reducing the waiting time of trucks at the borders. As maritime restrictions have increased the role of Iran's land routes in securing goods and sustaining trade, the long waiting times of trucks at the borders can impact the country's geographical advantages.
The Necessity of Reducing Truck Waiting Times
Sanandaji stressed that the border should be a passage and should not become a stopping place for trucks. By transferring customs controls of trucks inside Iran's customs, the borders will be opened to facilitate the movement and passage of fleets. This decision can minimize the waiting time of trucks at the borders and lead to reduced transportation costs and a smoother flow of goods.
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Current Challenges at the Borders
This decision comes at a time when approximately 7,000 trucks are waiting at the Bazargan border, nearly 6,000 trucks at the Dogharoun border, and about 4,000 trucks at the Poldasht border for exit. This situation not only imposes heavy costs on drivers and transportation companies but may also have significant repercussions for the country's foreign trade process.
According to assessments by the Research Center of the Parliament, the border compliance time for imports in Iran is about 141 hours, and for exports, it is about 101 hours. In comparison, this time in Turkey is approximately 6.5 and 9.8 hours, respectively. This time gap indicates the necessity of reforming border processes as much as developing infrastructure to enhance the attractiveness of Iran's corridors.
Effective Steps to Improve Border Conditions
Land borders are considered part of the supply chain and the lifeline of the country's foreign trade. With this decision, if implemented effectively, there is hope to transform the border from a "stopping place" to a "passageway" and increase the speed of goods circulation in the country's trade network. Thus, in addition to improving the situation for truck drivers, it can also boost trade and elevate Iran's position in international corridors.
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