ADOCEM, the cement producers’ association of the Dominican Republic, forecast cement demand in the country to rise seven per cent in 2015.
The national cement association this week elected a new board for the 2015-17 term, presided over by Gabriel Ballestas, director general of Argos Dominicana.
Mr Ballestas underlined the importance of the cement industry’s contribution to the development of the country and in particular, the building of affordable housing. ”The development of affordable housing solutions, and a positive social impact, contributes to economic growth through demand generated by other sectors, encouraging increased domestic production and employment generation," he said.
Other board members include Osvaldo Oller, vice president; Cruz Amalia Rodríguez, treasurer; Carlos Emilio González, secretary; Rayza Rodríguez, Gonzalo Rueda, Marco Focardi y Francesco Cardi as advisers.
The Dominican Republic economy, construction and cement industries have seen a very strong rebound from the global recession in recent years. Real GDP increased 4.8 per cent in 2013 and 7.3 per cent in 2014. The value of construction at constant prices climbed 6.1 per cent in 2013 and 13.8 per cent in 2014.
Cement consumption jumped 17.3 per cent in 2013 and 18 per cent in 2014 to 3.6Mt, according to Adocem. Cement production soared 16.8 per cent in 2013 and 18.7 per cent to 5Mt in 2014, helped by 1.2Mt and 1.4Mt of cement exports. The Dominican Republic’s CAGR since 1990 was 4.7 per cent for cement consumption and six per cent for production.
