As part of the Venezuelan government’s investment in the country’s cement sector, the new Cerro Azul plant in Monagas state, is expected to add 1Mta of cement to national output and hence bring the forecast output for 2015 to 9Mt, according to the Minister for Ecosocialism, Habitat and Housing, Ricardo Molina.

He added that the Gran Misión Vivienda Venezuela and Barrio Tricolor housing programmes need 4.5Mt while the balance will be used in the construction of infrastructure, roads and urban development. He went on to say that this investment would eliminate the need for cement imports.  "In 2015 we should not have any problem in terms of cement consumption because we have capacity to produce here," he said.

Following agreements signed with China, Venezuela’s cement industry is expected to expand to 12Mta by 2017.