Egypt has said it would offer new licences for 12 cement production lines as the country aims to boost cement production by 40% by 2015 to meet the growing demand for the product by the construction industry. The companies will also be allowed to import gas and coal.

Egypt has suffered power shortages as it has been unable to secure sufficient gas supplies to power its power plants and industry. It is feared that the energy shortage will stiffle industrial expansion.

"Energy imports will begin in 2015," Trade and Industry Minister Rachid Mohamed Rachid told al-Mal newspaper."There is a general rule already approved allowing energy imports for new factories, which will go operational by 2015."
   
Source: Reuters Africa
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