Pakistan producer Attock Cement on Friday signed an agreement with Al-Keetan Trading and Commercial Agencies Ltd for a new 3000tpd grinding plant in Basra, Iraq.

Babar Bashir Nawaz, chief executive of Attock Cement, said the projected cost is estimated at US$35m. Attock will hold a 60 per cent interest and Al-Keetan Trading, the remainder. The plant could become operational in a year’s time, Mr Nawaz added.