Talks on new Guatemala-Honduras venture

Honduran President, Porfirio Lobo Sosa has begun talks with representatives from a Guatemalan cement producer on the possible establishment of a cement factory in Honduras.

Cementos Progreso, Guatemala’s leading cement producer is said to be interested in investing in the Central America country, La Tribuna (Honduras) reports.  During the meeting, both sides expressed an interest in supporting the project and a visit by the interested parties to Honduras could possibly take place as early as February. 

"We are a country that has its appeal for entrepreneurs like you, that can, with confidence, invest in a country that offers them security in all its areas," President Lobo said.

"We are promoting the opening of cement plants so that there is real competition in the country, more supply to demand, we will give our full support on this issue," he added.

Minister of Industry and Trade, José Francisco Zelaya, has also confirmed talks with other companies interested in establishing cement facilities in Honduras.

Cement demand has accelerated over the 2009-11 period, with forecasts for 2011 at 3.07Mt and growth of a further 10 per cent in 2012 forecast to 3.38Mt, according to the Global Cement Report Ninth Edition.