SPECA Workshop on digitalization of transport services (eTIR and eCMR), Nur Sultan, Kazakhstan (online)

Development of sustainable transport systems and connectivity are important factors of
achieving the Sustainable Development Goals in the SPECA sub-region. Effective, efficient,
multimodal transport systems, developed in coordinated way and in synergy of all actors, are
crucial ingredient for better competitiveness and economic development of SPECA landlocked
countries (LLDC). Before pandemics, LLDCs paid more than double what coastal countries do
to export their goods and COVID-19 related restrictions, lockdowns, and border closures
caused serious disruptions of supply chains and citizen’s mobility, which created additional
costs. In that sense, enhancing connectivity and ensuring sustainable and efficient functioning
of international transport corridors is of outmost importance.
One of the solutions for better regional and inter-regional transport connectivity and better
efficiency of international transport corridors is efficient implementation of United Nations
legal instruments on inland transport and border crossing facilitation, especially digital
solutions for border crossing facilitation (e-TIR and e-CMR and other facilitation tools).
The aim of the Workshop is to strengthen knowledge of the national representatives of SPECA
countries on digitalization of transport services, procedures and documents (eTIR and eCMR)
highlighting the advantages that new electronic systems can bring on trade and border crossings
facilitation in the region. UNECE will present case studies from countries that has already
started implementing eTIR and participated in different pilot projects. Furthermore, the
workshop will strengthen national capacities on how to improve regional transport connectivity
and inland transport competitiveness.