Cement production in Bolivia in the first quarter grew 9.24 per cent to 308,973t compared to 1Q04, the country’s national statistics institute (INE) reported. The increase was due principally to higher production at plants in Santa Cruz and La Paz departments, which saw production grow 30.5 per cent to 57,318t and 7.44 per cent to 71,247t, respectively.  In terms of overall production, Chuquisaca department led the country with 80,314t, up 4.72 per cent.