Exports to Kabul may resume from next month, Afghanistan
The government of Pakistan has decided to restore cement exports to Afghanistan from May 1, along with rebate, despite an estimated shortage of 200,000t per month to meet domestic demand.
Sources in the Ministry of Industries and Production told local press on Wednesday that a proposal has been sent to Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, suggesting that the April 6 to 30 moratorium on cement exports to Afghanistan be lifted from May 1 to ensure Pakistan’s market share.
"We have also recommended that rebate on export, which has been stopped by the ECC, should also be restored to make it feasible for cement industry to compete in the market," sources said.
The ministry is of the view that rebate, which is around Rs 80 per bag, should be restored along with the resumption of exports to Afghanistan. Besides, it is also proposed that the quantity to be exported to Afghanistan should be reduced from 200,000-100,000t per month, and the cement manufacturers association be given the task to distribute approved export quantity among the member factories.
Published under Cement News
