Building boost: Domestic cement need set to grow

[PHNOM PENH POST]

The resurgence of local construction projects will boost Cambodia’s cement usage this year by 20 percent to 3 million tonnes, said Khaou Phallaboth, president of Khaou Chuly Group.

Increased demand from the uptick in construction has been positive for cement sellers, as both orders and prices have been rising, he said.

Khaou Chuly Group owns 10 percent of Kampot Cement, a joint venture with Thailand’s largest industrial conglomerate, Siam Cement Group. Kampot Cement produced 900,000 tonnes of cement in 2010, but Khaou Phallaboth said he expects to sell up to 1 million tonnes this year.

Ministry of Land Management, Urban Planning and Construction official Lao Tip Seiha said the ministry had approved more construction projects than it had anticipated this year, adding he hoped it would lead to more demand for cement.