The government will welcome fresh investment in cement manufacturing as there is a bullish trend in Pakistan’s cement industry, said Minster for Industries, Production and Special Initiatives Jahangir Khan Tareen.

The government’s decision to launch mega projects, like dams, and the massive construction work that is going on in the country, especilally after the October 8 earthquake, have contributed to raising demand for cement. Reconstruction in Afghanistan has also contributed to increasing demand for the commodity.

At the meeting it was observed that the potential for growth in Pakistan’s cement industry is about 9-10 percent per annum and the representatives expressed their desire to invest in Pakistan’s booming cement sector.

Mr Tareen assured that the government is ready to facilitate investment in cement or any other sector as its policy is to assist foreign investors intending to do business in Pakistan.