Ecuador’s Unión Cementera Nacional (Ucem) has signed a contract with Peru’s Casaracra and the Ministry of Production, Employment and Competition to build a new clinker plant in Riobamba, Chimborazo. Casaracra will invest US$230m.

"This investment will replace imports of the value of US$250m over the next 10 years," said Ecuadorian Vice President, Jorge Glas, at the signing ceremony.

The new plant is scheduled for commissioning in 30 months’ time.