Ethiopia’s Ministry of Industry has given approval to state-owned Mugher Cement to begin exporting to neighbouring countries as a drop in domestic demand has caused the producer to seek other markts.

A request for an export permit made to officials at the Ministry of Trade was referred to the Ministry of Industry two weeks ago.

Mugher Cement is now to apply for an export permit, expected to remain valid for the next 12 months but which can be renewed on an annual basis. Mugher Cement said it plans to export to Southern Sudan and Kenya.