LAHORE: The cement sales in the country jumped 6.5%, going from 23.24 million tons to 24.75 million tons in the first six months of the current fiscal year (July-December), announced the All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA).
While cement maintained an excellent pattern of domestic supply in the northern region, its performance in the southern region was better in terms of exports.
The difference in both markets has been credited to the rapid development of the northern region to boost tourism and improve the avenues of travel and transport.
Due to rapid development, domestic consumption increased by 3.54% to 20.37 million tons from 19.68 million tons. On the other hand, exports rose by 22% as the volume increased from 3.56 million tons to 4.38 million tons.
Against an installed capacity of 59.65 million tons, the industry projected to sell accounted 47 million tons of cement this year, said an APCMA official.
He further said that in order to utilize the full installed capacity, the government should announce Public Sector Development Programme including construction work for various schemes, housing projects, and job opportunities for skilled and unskilled labour.
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