Lafarge Cement, the domestic unit of Lafarge group this year cut the share of exports in overall sales to just 5%, prompted by domestic market growth by 30%, to EUR750-800m.

Lafarge will generate EUR400m turnover on the Romanian market this year, up around 45% from last year, from all the three units it holds.

"This year, we cut quantities of cement going to foreign markets to 300,000t as exports are no longer a priority for us.
 
“Our strategy is to cover the domestic market and depending on market opportunities to carry out export activities as well," stated Philippe Questiaux, Lafarge Ciment chairman and general manager.

Lafarge exported 30% of overall cement quantities produced domestically two years ago, but it has gradually reduced exports, with the same strategy to be embraced over the following years.

Besides the decision to cut exports, Lafarge Ciment will boost production and distribution capacities by late 2008 by over one million tonnes of cement at the two plants of Medgidia and Hoghiz, as well as the capacity of the grinding station of Targu Jiu, with total investments aimed at this project standing at 58m euros.