19 April 2016
India: The state government of Jammu and Kashmir has required that all of its departments in Jammu Valley should buy cement from Jammu and Kashmir Cements as a first preference. Government order 89-IND of 2016 enforces the order according to the Early Times. Under the directive all relevant departments are only able to purchase cement from the open market where Jammu and Kashmir Cements is unable to supply the order and a non-availability certificate is obtained.
Malawian government defends cement import licences 19 April 2016
Malawi: The government of Malawi has defended its decision to introduce licences for cement importers saying there is no ban on importing the building material. Ministry of Industry and Trade spokesperson, Wiskes Mkombezi said that the government was issuing the licences to protect consumers in a monopolised local industry and to prevent smuggling. He added that the licences were to regulate and bring ‘sanity’ to the industry according to All Africa.
Local cement producers have complained about the import licences. Directors with Cement Products Limited and Lafarge have claimed that imports of cement are threatening local jobs in the country.
Georgia to build US$100m cement plant in Senaki 19 April 2016
Georgia: The government of Georgia is to build a US$100m cement plant in Senaki, Samegrelo. The project will be joint-investment with an unnamed Chinese company. Construction will start in June 2016 and the plant is expected to employ 500 people in its construction phase. The project was discussed at a meeting between Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili and businessman Tsezar Chocheli, according to the Sarke Information Agency.