During the state visit of Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Tajikistan on April 18-19, a Protocol amending the Agreement on International Road Transport between the two countries was signed. This amendment eliminates the requirement for permits when transporting goods between the nations, enhancing cooperation.
Previously, under the Agreement signed in March 2018, permits were mandatory for both regular and irregular passenger and cargo transportation, including transit. The recent Protocol, once ratified by both countries, will facilitate smoother cross-border transport operations.
The expansion of cooperation between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan has led to over 1200 transit cargo shipments annually. Currently, cargo transport between Tajikistan and certain CIS countries or in transit through their territories occurs without permits, reducing delivery times and cargo damage risks.
In a report by Radio Ozodi in February, a long queue of trucks was observed at the Fotekhobod-Oybek checkpoint on the Tajik-Uzbek border due to a shortage of crossing permits issued by the Tajik Ministry of Transport. Following the report, the queue eventually dispersed, but details on the resolution of the permit issue were not disclosed.
Some truck drivers, speaking anonymously, mentioned purchasing permits despite high costs. The Minister explained that the permits, priced at 300 somoni, were imported and distributed by certain organizations, citing a "human factor" without elaborating.
Organizations involved in cargo transportation denied setting permit prices independently, noting that permits are also sold by the State Service for Supervision and Regulation of Transport. The Fotekhobod-Oybek checkpoint is crucial for cross-border traffic between Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with 13 other checkpoints available for heavy vehicles.
Efforts to streamline cargo transportation processes between the two countries are underway, aiming to facilitate trade and strengthen bilateral relations.
