Two trucks depart the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao, Shandong province, heading for Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Two trucks loaded with protective clothing, construction materials and tires started out from the China-Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao, Shandong province, on Friday, marking the launch of the international road transport convention, or TIR, from the demonstration area.

The trucks are expected to arrive in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in seven days after a 5,600-kilometer journey.

TIR is an international customs transit system to help save time and money for transport operators and customs authorities when moving goods across borders.

With a door-to door advantage, the TIR can cut 20 percent off the time required sea transport or 50 percent off the time for railway and air transport, said Zhang Quanwen, business director of China Transfar (SCO) International Logistics Port, a company responsible for the two trucks' delivery.

A ceremony on June 12, 2020 marks the launch of the TIR transport convention in the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao, Shandong province. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

"The TIR cost is between that of air and rail," Zhang added.

Meng Qingsheng, vice director of the demonstration area's administrative committee, said the launch of TIR in the area will enhance exchanges among SCO countries and improve international logistics.

Currently, the demonstration area features a multimodal transport center, which operates 17 regular freight trains connecting more than 30 cities in 10 SCO countries.

The demonstration area for economic and trade cooperation between China and the SCO was approved by the ninth meeting of the central committee for deepening overall reform in July.

The area aims to create a new platform for international cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative and expand cooperation in areas including international logistics, modern trade, two-way investment and business, along with tourism and cultural exchanges.

One of the two trucks that depart the China-SCO Local Economic and Trade Cooperation Demonstration Area in Qingdao, Shandong province, heading for Tashkent, Uzbekistan. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]