Govt Identifies Cement As xtreme Focus'Export Item

Industry minister Murasoli Maran said here yesterday the government has identified cement as an extreme focus item for export and expressed hope that industry would achieve the export target of five million tonnes for 1996-97.

Opening the annual general meeting of Cement Manufacturers' Association, the minister said cement production was nearly 70 million tonnes last year, recording more than 11 per cent growth.

The minister said the industry should also look at the possibilities of locating some cement plants in the northeastern region which has got good potential due to availability of limestone in some of the states like Meghalaya.

 

Referring to the difficulties faced by the industry regarding coal availability, he said We are prepared to sit with the industry and the department of coal to finalise the modus operandi of cement plants owning coal mines.

Regarding the availability of railway wagons, Maran said I would like the cement industry to respond positively and come forward with specific proposals which could be discussed with the railways ministry and agreed solution found.

The minister also inaugurated CMA-Net, an on-line electronic network, which would link the Cement Manufacturers; Association's office and members to enable easy and quick collection of data and supply of the processed information.

Speaking at the occasion, the association president M C Bagrodia said last year the production of cement from large plants exceeded the target set by the government and was 64.47 million tonnes, showing a growth of 10.5 per cent over the previous years production of 58 million tonnes. Additions to capacity reached a record figure of 10.16 million tonnes last year taking total capacity in the country to 97 million tonnes, including mini plants, Bagrodia said.

He expressed hope that given this rapid growth, the Indian cement industry which is the fourth largest in the world after China, Japan and the US, could becomethe second largest in the next plan period.

To alleviate the problems faced by the industry, we look forward to participating in projects such as setting up of captive coal mines, washeries, captive power plants and owning special and captive railway rakes for movement of coal and cement, Bagrodia said.

Referring to the export performance of the cement industry, he said the exports dropped in 1995-96 to 2.4 million tonnes mainly due to lack of adequate infrastructure at ports as also for inland movement of cement to ports.

The high growth in exports can be achieved only if exports are made in bulk and if ports facilities can improved, Bagrodia said.s/right.asp"-->