Pak to export 10,000 tonne cement to Lanka

Rising cement demand from India and China and high construction activity in Sri Lanka have led to a rise in cement prices in the island nation, as a result the country is planning to import 10,000 metric tonne of cement from Pakistan to meet its requirements.

According to Sri Lankas Trade, Marketing Development, Co-operatives and Consumer Affairs Minister Bandula Gunawardena, an agreement has been signed with a company in Pakistan to import 10,000 metric tonne of cement to the island country.

"A high cement demand has been created in the country with the commencement of many construction projects, including buildings and bridges," Gunawardena told reporters.

Meanwhile, private traders said besides high requirement in Sri Lanka, the problem of cement aggravated due to rise in world demand especially from India and China.

The stock from Pakistan, which is slated to arrive in Sri Lanka early this month, is expected to be distributed through the recently set up State Trading Co-operative Wholesale Company Ltd to consumers to meet the demand.

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