Ammon News - by Mohammad Ghazal/ Jordan Times

AMMAN — Easing border procedures for vehicles moving between Arab states would boost inter-Arab trade, transport experts and officials said Wednesday.

Currently, all kinds of trucks in the region wait at border crossings for days and sometimes weeks, which is a major obstacle to the development of the land transport sector, Janusz Lacny, president of the International Road Transport Union said at the opening of the 7th Euro-Asian Road Transport Conference.

Waiting times account for 57 per cent of the total transport time, which is an issue that needs to be addressed through the cooperation of all public agencies and private sector entities in the region, according to Lacny.

He said it is also important to facilitate visa issuance for truck drivers, underlining the need to improve legislation governing the land transport sector in the region.

Acting Minister of Transport Walid Masri echoed Lacny's sentiments, saying a political decision must be taken to remove barriers at border areas and facilitate the entry of trucks in order to boost inter-Arab trade, which stands at about 11 per cent.

Noting that the region is going through difficult times, Masri said improving the land transport sector and removing the impediments it is facing will help jobs and reduce unemployment.

The minister added that the sector plays a key role in developing trade and thus the economies of countries in the region.

Participants in the conference, which gathered over 450 delegates from more than 44 countries, highlighted the strategic location Jordan enjoys, which makes it a gateway to regional markets.

They also underlined the need for combating corruption at border crossings, citing some countries in the region where authorities ask for “tips” to speed up truck movement.