Cement makers to build silos for export at ports
Cement manufacturers have agreed to construct silos at Karachi Port and Port Qasim on self-finance basis for export of cement, official sources told Business Recorder.
The decision was taken at a meeting between Industries Ministry and All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) and All Pakistan Contractors Association(APCA) on Wednesday, convened to discuss and review cement situation ie demand and supply position and export potential vis-Ã -vis level of construction activities in the country.
Presided over by Industries Secretary Shahab Khawaja, the meeting was attended by Tariq Bajwa, Joint Secretary, and senior officials of Ministry of Commerce, Central Board of Revenue (CBR) and Ministry of Ports and Shipping. The position regarding cement prices in domestic market, demand and supply and export of cement was discussed in detail and the Industries Ministry expressed satisfaction over stabilisation of cement prices in the domestic market.
APCMA informed the meeting that due to investment-friendly policies of the government, the capacity of cement plants had increased to 33Mt the end of year 2006 as compared to 21Mt in January 2006, while the present domestic demand is around 22 million tons.
The APCMA representatives demanded that due to surplus capacity, there was huge potential of export of cement and requested for further provisions of incentives and export facilities including infrastructure facilities at ports so that they may be in a position to compete the export market in Africa, Sri Lanka and Gulf States.
Published under Cement News
