Regional Connectivity in South Asia: Role of the TIR Convention
Bipul Chatterjee and Surendar Singh*
Regional connectivity has evolved as a pivot to the current geoeconomics and geopolitical discourse in the Asia-Pacific region. Recognising the importance of connectivity in economic and strategic developments, South Asian countries have embarked upon a number of regional connectivity initiatives such as the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal Motor Vehicles Agreement (BBIN MVA) and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) to boost their trade integration. Furthermore, in order to strengthen their regional connectivity initiatives, Afghanistan, India and Pakistan have acceded to the Transports Internationaux Routiers, International Road Transport (TIR Convention) – an international convention that facilitates access to simple, reliable and hassle-free movement of cargo by road or multi-modal means across the territories of other contracting parties. The implementation of the TIR Convention by these countries will harmonise national transit and transport procedures with international standards contributing to the efficient movement of goods across borders. Against this backdrop, this paper aims to analyse the role of the TIR Convention in boosting regional connectivity in South Asia, both on the eastern and western front.
* Mr Bipul Chatterjee is Executive Director of CUTS International, India. Mr Surendar Singh is a Fellow at CUTS International, India.