Union of Chambers and Commodity Exchanges of Turkey

In his speech at the opening ceremony, TOBB President Rifat Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized their belief that the commissioning of the Cilvegözü TIR Park would further boost trade relations between Türkiye and Syria.

Noting that recent global developments have demonstrated just how strategic the transportation and logistics sectors are worldwide, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated, “Türkiye is situated right in the middle of the Asia-Europe corridor due to its geographical location. Throughout history, this region has always been a hub of trade. With its secure, fast, and competitive logistics sector, Türkiye has become one of the new backbones of global trade. Our investments in land customs checkpoints are of critical importance in this regard. This is a strategic step toward redirecting global trade routes toward our country and our neighbor.”

Hisarcıklıoğlu emphasized that Türkiye’s most important land customs checkpoints have been completely renovated using state-of-the-art technology, and continued: “Eighty-five percent of our country’s exports by land pass through the checkpoints we have modernized. The volume of traffic at the customs checkpoints we have renovated is increasing exponentially. Waiting times for freight TIRs have been cut in half. In other words, not only has our government benefited, but so have our private sector and our members. This project, which we implemented through a public-private partnership, has garnered significant acclaim worldwide. For the first time, a Turkish project has been held up as a global model by the United Nations. The United Nations is telling more than 200 countries, ‘If you are going to modernize your customs checkpoints, do it the way Türkiye and TOBB have done.’ This is a great honor for us, a great accolade.”

Emphasizing that the Cilvegözü Customs Gate TIR Park will provide comfort and convenience to TIR drivers and make the border crossing more efficient, Hisarcıklıoğlu stated that it will also make transportation faster and safer, thereby giving trade a new boost.

-Trade Minister Ömer Bolat

Trade Minister Ömer Bolat also stated at the opening of the Cilvegözü Customs Gate TIR Park in the Reyhanlı district of Hatay that the park has a capacity of 1,200 vehicles.

Noting that the facility was put into service three months ago due to demand, Bolat stated that Hatay is an ancient city that suffered the greatest damage, in terms of loss of life, number of injured, and physical destruction, during the February 6, 2023, earthquake disaster.

Providing information about projects implemented at border crossings, Bolat said: “The Cilvegözü Customs Gate TIR Park accommodates 1,200 TIRs. Built on approximately 173 decares of land, this project was completed and put into service in a very short time, within 9 to 10 months of the agreement being signed, through the collaboration of the Hatay Governor’s Office, the Provincial Special Administration, TOBB GTİ, the Hatay Metropolitan Municipality, and the Ministry of Trade. It features social facilities, a full range of dining options to meet the needs of our TIR drivers, and rest areas.”

Minister Bolat, wishing the TIR park every success, stated: “Our sole aim is to increase trade. When trade increases, economies grow, countries become wealthier, and the well-being of the people improves. Prosperity and peace follow. Of course, as prosperity increases and friendship between countries grows, regional tensions can also be resolved. In this spirit, I am deeply pleased to be here with you today for this beneficial initiative. A truly beautiful project has been realized."

- “Cilvegözü is a vital logistics artery that breathes life into our regional economy.”

Mehmet Arif Parmaksız, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Customs and Tourism Enterprises, noted that the Cilvegözü Customs Gate TIR Park is a highly valuable facility that will serve foreign trade flows, the logistics system along the border, driver safety, and regional development.

Noting that Cilvegözü is not merely one of Türkiye’s most strategic transit points to Syria and the Middle East, Parmaksız added: “Cilvegözü is a vital logistics artery that sustains our exporters, freight carriers, industrialists, and the regional economy. This year, a total of 231,185 TIR entries and exits took place at Cilvegözü. This figure represents an increase of approximately 22 percent compared to the same period last year. This facility was planned with an eye not only to today’s needs but also to the future volume of trade. I am confident that our facility will strengthen the controlled flow of vehicles through the border crossing, reduce roadside waiting times and traffic congestion, and make a significant contribution to our carriers’ time and cost management.”

Hatay Governor Mustafa Masatlı also said that the TIR park would strengthen both border trade and the logistics infrastructure, while also making a significant contribution to trade relations with Syria. Noting that Hatay has historically been a major crossroads for all trade routes, Masatlı said: “Not only have goods produced here passed through this area, but it has also served as a pilgrimage route. Therefore, it is well known to everyone that these lands have long served as a hub for trade, religious affairs, and social relations. This is one of our key gateways connecting us to ancient lands, our fellow believers, and the rest of the world. For this reason, we consider this TIR park and the subsequent logistics village project to be highly significant.”

(A.A.)