A major breakthrough in regional transport has arrived with the launch of a new roadway route connecting Turkey to Kuwait through Iraq. The newly opened route is already reducing delivery times and improving trade efficiency across the region. This marks a key milestone in modernizing Iraq’s logistics role in international trade, positioning the Iraq trade corridor to Kuwait as a pivotal link in boosting connectivity and commerce across the Middle East.
A Turkish logistics firm, Hasbayrak International Transport, became the first company to move goods using the newly launched route. The shipment was carried under the International Road Transport system, widely known as TIR, which allows cargo to move in sealed containers across multiple borders while remaining under customs control. As well as This development further underscores the growing importance of the Iraq trade corridor to Kuwait in streamlining regional logistics and enhancing cross-border trade efficiency.
Three trucks carrying fruits and vegetables began their journey in Turkey and reached Kuwait in only four days. This journey time stands in stark contrast to the usual 45-day sea route. So This time reduction helps businesses move goods faster and at lower cost.
The trucks entered Iraq through the Al Abdali border crossing. Once inside Iraq, they completed all customs formalities at the Sulaybia Dry Port. These successful steps show Iraq’s readiness to support international road freight operations.
In another key development, this trade route also signals the return of the TIR system in Kuwait. In addition kuwaiti customs authorities cooperated closely to support the system’s reactivation. This cooperation ensures faster and safer cross-border movements of goods between Turkey, Iraq, and Kuwait.
Iraq has officially implemented the TIR system since early April. Since then, more logistics firms have expressed interest in using the new route. The government aims to position Iraq as a reliable link between Europe, the Gulf, and Asia.
The TIR system, supported by the International Road Transport Union, is the only global customs transit system. It enables goods to travel across multiple countries in sealed containers under a unified process. Customs inspections happen only at departure and arrival points, which shortens time and reduces delays.
With Iraq now active in the TIR system, regional trade is expected to grow quickly. The new route not only strengthens ties between the three countries but also boosts Iraq’s economic role in global logistics.
As more companies adopt this route, Iraq’s transit infrastructure will become a central part of regional supply chains. The country’s involvement in systems like TIR shows its readiness to modernize trade and attract more cross-border business.