Tajikistan holds first awareness event on EU’s carbon border tax
New EU policy to impact Tajik exports of steel, cement, and aluminum; businesses urged to prepare for compliance
DUSHANBE, Tajikistan (MNTV) — Tajikistan has taken its first step in preparing for the European Union’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a new policy that will directly impact its key export sectors.
According to Asia-Plus, the International Trade Centre (ITC), in partnership with Tajikistan’s Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, hosted the country’s first awareness-raising event on CBAM on May 13.
The event was held virtually under the EU-funded “Ready4Trade Central Asia” project, which aims to enhance regional trade and connectivity through the Trans-Caspian Transport Corridor.
CBAM is part of the EU’s broader climate strategy to cut global greenhouse gas emissions and ensure fair competition. Under the new rules, exporters of carbon-intensive goods such as aluminum, steel, cement, fertilizers, and electricity to the EU will soon need to report—and eventually pay for—the carbon emissions linked to production. Starting in 2026, EU importers will be required to purchase CBAM certificates to cover these emissions.
“This mechanism will directly affect some of our key exports,” said Alijon Aliyev, ITC’s Ready4Trade project manager in Tajikistan. “Our businesses must be ready to comply, compete, and grow under new global trade conditions. This event is a critical first step.”
The initiative seeks to help Tajik companies understand the implications of CBAM and build capacity to meet the requirements. ITC will support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tajikistan through workshops, technical training, and policy guidance.
Experts say CBAM could become a powerful incentive for Tajikistan to modernize its industries, reduce emissions, and align with global environmental standards. Early preparation, they warn, is crucial to avoid trade disruptions and turn climate rules into growth opportunities.
The Ready4Trade Central Asia project is part of the EU’s broader “Prosperity in Central Asia” program and builds on previous trade facilitation efforts launched between 2020 and 2024. It also supports SME competitiveness and aims to simplify cross-border trade procedures across the region.
The ITC is a joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations that assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing economies to compete in global markets.
We must take charge of our narrative. Research indicates that 92% of their Muslim coverage is negative. Help us change that.
Have Your Say!
Have you been affected by the issues raised in this story? Please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@soundvision.com.
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a Muslim Network TV’s representative. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Tweet: @MuslimNetworkTV
