Growth of Pakistan's cement exports is healthy

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ISLAMABAD — Pakistan has gained a dominant position in the cement industry, exporting almost 11 million tonnes during fiscal year 2008-09, according to Attock Cement Ltd. Chief Financial Officer Irfan Amanullah.

Due to its extensive reserves of raw material, the purchase of Pakistani cement has become the prime of choice of international buyers all over the world. The growth in demand for cement in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa has greatly increased export opportunities for the country.

Pakistan now ranks fifth among concrete exporting nations, according to the Global Cement Analytical Report with a jump of 47 percent during the last fiscal year, according to the All-Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association. China ranks first with 26 million tonnes, Japan second with 12, Thailand third also with around 12, followed by Turkey with 10.6 million tonnes.

Amanullah said, “Pakistan secured fifth place by capturing new markets when global cement consumption increased to 2.86 billion tonnes, up almost 3.5 percent over last year.” Amanullah said.

“The new markets explored by the exporters include some African countries, Qatar and Iraq,” he said. “Pakistan could [reach] 13 to 14 million tonnes by the end of this fiscal year next June if the government provides better infrastructure facilities.”

“Overall concrete production in Pakistan may have witnessed seven percent growth in July,” said analyst Muhammad Rehan. “The growth is attributable to rising export volumes, as domestic demand remains depressed.”

Rehan also said that Pakistan’s lead over many European nations is being supported by closures of cement factories across the continent due to the passage of new pollution control and other environmental protection laws.