"We have huge opportunity for export in the international market", Tariq Ikram Pakistan’s Minister of State and Chief Executive TDAP said while having a detailed discussion with selected cement exporters in TDAP Karachi on Saturday.

Pakistan has unlimited resources of lime stone used for production of cement. Presently Pakistan has production capacity of 40 million MT. The capacity utilization is 70% and this production capacity could be increased to 30% more provided we have adequate infrastructure facilities for bulk loading of export shipments, he added

He briefed, the export target this year is 6 million MT and uptil now "we have already exported 1.5 million MT". The Pakistan cement FOB prices are very competitive, the price range is between US$ 55 to 60/MT.

He maintained that the Pakistan Ports lack of infrastructure facilities for bulk loading and freight charges between Gawadar Port and Karachi are highly due to distance.

Gwadar Port with deep-sea draught could be efficiently utilized for both bulk and cement packed in bags. The ports charges also need to be rationalized.

He concluded that various models of financing for setting up bulk loading facility at Port Qasim and Karachi Port were discussed with or with out private sector involvement, and how to manage such facility and Other option of private limited company managed.