Bilel Sahnoun, Director General of the Tunis Stock Exchange, explained that the event showcased the mechanics of carbon trading. “Today, we witnessed the sale of 2,600 tons of carbon credits generated by a company in Malaysia and purchased by a Saudi company. This experience provided a practical illustration of how these markets function,” Sahnoun said.

Carbon credits are generated by entities that reduce or offset CO₂ emissions through certified projects. These credits can then be sold to other companies looking to offset their emissions, particularly those without the means to reduce emissions directly. “This system enables polluting companies to support mitigation projects elsewhere, contributing to global decarbonization efforts,” Sahnoun noted.

While no Tunisian companies were involved in the simulated transaction, the event was a step in introducing carbon market mechanisms to the country. Sahnoun indicated that the exercise could inspire future initiatives in Tunisia’s environmental finance sector.

Commenting on the broader economic context, Sahnoun also addressed global trade tensions. “The ongoing trade war remains unpredictable. Its outcome is unclear, but it is already affecting purchasing power, especially in Asia and North America , due to rising tariffs,” he said.

Looking ahead, he predicted a shift in global value chains. “We are likely to see a reconfiguration of trade dynamics, leading to a new global balance in business and commerce,” he concluded.