Tajikistan-China JV plant inaugurated

A new Tajikistan-China joint cement plant venture was inaugurated yesterday in the presence of Tajikistan president Emomali Rakhmon, taking the country a step closer to achieving its aim of self sufficiency in the cement sector.

The 1Mta greenfield plant, situated in the Yovon district, has been built by Huaxin Gayur Cement at a cost of US$100m. Huaxin Gayur Cement was established by Huaxin Zhongya Investment (Wuhan), a subsidiary of Huaxin Cement, and Gayur Limited Liability Company. Huaxin Zhongya Investment (Wuhan) holds 75 per cent of the ownership and Gayur holds the remaining 25 per cent.

Currently, cement demand in Tajikistan is well ahead of production levels and imports continue to play an important role. However, the Tajik government has attracted foreign investment to expand its cement production base, with a further seven new projects in the pipeline. This is expected to lead to an export surplus by 2014. Speaking during the opening ceremony, President Rakhmon said that the country now “has an opportunity to become an exporter of cement” in the near future.