Paraguay: INC welcomes Senate move on cement use

The president of Paraguay’s Industria Nacional de Cemento (INC), Jorge Méndez, has welcomed the approval granted by the country’s Senate of a bill that establishes the use of domestic cement in road construction.

Mr Méndez said if the initiative is also passed in the National Congress and accepted by the government, it will contribute to the growth of the country not only in terms of benefits to its citizens, but will contribute to maintaining the country’s currency stock as the cement will be produced with domestic raw materials and labour.

The Senate approved the use of domestic cement in road works on an incremental basis, increasing from 15 per cent of project requirements in the first year to 20 per cent in the second year. Thereafter, the share would increase to 25 and 30 per cent in the third and four year, respectively.

Mr Méndez said that concrete pavements are longer-lasting and generate lower costs in terms of maintenance.