This century saw a transition of cross-border freight operations from pack animal caravans to modern motor fleets, led by IRU member the National Road Transport Association of Mongolia.
Mongolia has marked a historic milestone, celebrating 100 years of road transport.
The centenary celebrations brought together the entire road transport community: industry leaders, regulators and clients. The President of Mongolia, the State Great Hural (Parliament), the Prime Minister, and the Minister of Road and Transport conveyed official congratulatory messages to delegates and transport sector employees.
IRU General Delegate to Eurasia Vadim Zakharenko said, “Mongolia has already made significant development gains over recent years. Though a landlocked country, it is ideally placed to facilitate trade and transport. Mongolia is fully capable of converting the challenges currently associated with the diversification of global and regional supply chains and logistics flows into opportunities.
“This remarkable milestone reflects a century of progress, regional cooperation and innovation in Mongolia’s transport industry.
“Mongolia is exemplary in how it demonstrates strong support for road transport and values the sector’s crucial role in driving foreign trade, mobility, prosperity, and sustainable development.”
Echoing its legacy as a vital link along the ancient Silk Road and the Tea Horse Road, Mongolia is once again bridging East and West, North and South. It is fast becoming a strategic transit and logistics hub in the region. Last year, road transport operators were responsible for around 65% of domestic freight movements and 88% of exports.
In support of its trade and transit ambitions, Mongolia is actively promoting the global TIR transit system to facilitate seamless cross-border transport with neighbouring countries and beyond. Continued professionalisation of the road transport industry is helping cement the country’s status as a land-linked economy.
Mongolia is also coupling hard infrastructure investments with advanced cross-border facilitation, including the implementation of sophisticated digital customs and transit systems, and the development of express TIR Green Lanes at key border crossings.
Centenary celebrations featured a vibrant programme, including a retro vehicle exhibition, a city parade in Ulaanbaatar’s Sukhbaatar Square, a transport-themed art gallery exhibition, and the release of a commemorative postage stamp and coin. The festivities continued with a national cultural festival showcasing traditional Mongolian sports outside the capital.

Published Date:2025-07-29