Cement manufacturers must brace against global economic shocks

THE Minister of Industry and Primary Resources Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Hj Yahya Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar officiated the opening ceremony of the Asean Federation of Cement Manufacturers (AFCM) 32nd Council meeting.

In his opening remarks he mentioned that the Butra HeidelbergCement Sdn Bhd had joined the Federation eight years ago and that the Technical Symposium organised by the federation have been very successful in providing a forum for the exchange of information of the latest technologies and practices.

The cement industry, as with all other industries in Asean and around the world, face potentially difficult economic times. Therefore it is a more critical and challenging time for AFCM's leadership and its members to workout creative measures and strategies for its collective and mutual benefits.

Updated statistics on supply and demand of various types of cement products, imports and exports, design capacity and production figures of cement plants in each Asean country provided valuable information on regional cement activities.

The Minister also urged the members to continue to endeavour in finding innovative and economical business solutions to raise productivity and maintain competitiveness in the face of the current market forces. The objectives of the meeting include accelerating and harmonising the growth of the cement industry.

The current problems are naturally having an impact on the construction sector and the industry needs to find measures to overcome these problems.

The 32nd Council Meeting of Asean Federations of Cement Manufacturers was attended by representatives from Asean countries. The forum was held for two days, which was concluded last night with a dinner at the Rizqun International Hotel. (AIS1)The Brunei Times