Cement Producers Association in Iraq Presents Its Future Vision for Compliance with the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)

Cement Producers Association in Iraq Presents Its Future Vision for Compliance with the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
The Cement Producers Association in Iraq, in cooperation with the Committee established under Prime Ministerial Order No. 16 concerning the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) and the General Company for Carbon Economics, held its first workshop to discuss CBAM requirements and their implications for Iraqi industries seeking to export to the European Union.
The workshop was held under the patronage and in the presence of Her Excellency the Minister of Environment, Ms. Sarwa Abdul Wahid, and was attended by the Technical Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Dr. Nazir Aboud Fazaa, the Director General of the General Company for Carbon Economics, Mr. Haider Qasim Al-Darraji, and the President of the Cement Producers Association in Iraq, Eng. Ammar Rahim Al-Saadi, alongside representatives of the General Secretariat of the Council of Ministers, relevant ministries, the Iraqi Federation of Industries, specialized organizations, research centers, experts, private-sector representatives, and member cement plants.
Presentations addressed CBAM requirements, industrial obligations, emissions reduction, and Iraq’s emerging national framework for carbon management. Particular emphasis was placed on the Monitoring, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system, essential for ensuring accurate and transparent emissions data.
The President of the Cement Producers Association presented the Association’s vision for expanding Iraqi cement exports to international markets. Since achieving self-sufficiency in 2016, Iraq has developed a production surplus exceeding 15 million tons annually. The European Union is considered a potential export market, particularly in light of the planned Development Road project. Accordingly, Iraqi cement plants need to prepare for CBAM requirements to maintain their competitiveness in international markets.
The Association, in cooperation with the General Company for Carbon Economics, also plans to train technical staff from member cement plants as carbon footprint verifiers, including internal plant verifiers and internationally accredited MRV professionals. This initiative will support the documentation of emissions-reduction projects and enable the sector to benefit from resulting carbon credits.
Participants stressed the need for stronger cooperation among government institutions, industry, and specialized research organizations to establish an integrated national carbon-management system, build Iraqi technical capabilities, and ensure compliance with international standards.
The workshop marks an important step toward strengthening public-private cooperation on carbon economics and emissions reduction, supporting Iraq’s transition toward a low-carbon economy, and enhancing the sustainability and international competitiveness of Iraqi industry.