Bangladesh is expected to be Asian hub of cement production soon for qualitative product diversification and use of environment-friendly technologies, industry-insiders said while seeking government support in paving the path for export of the surplus output in larger volumes.
They said the demand for quality cement is high in outside markets, especially in the neighbouring countries, which lured the local companies into expanding production capacity of their factories or installing new plants.
Reputation of locally produced cement has already been established in markets of different countries.
As of now, the sources said, the installed capacity of the local manufacturers far outstrips domestic demand. So, the country is now seen as self-reliant in cement production.
"Bangladesh could be Asian hub of cement thanks to better quality and diversification of products as well as competitive price range," Mohammad Amirul Haque, Managing Director of Premier Cement Ltd, told the FE correspondent.
He said after fulfilling the local demand they are very serious about exporting cement to several destinations across the world.
The local cement manufactures could produce annually 500 million bags but the domestic market demand is 320 million bags, he informed.
There is huge prospect of exporting cement to the world market. Government support in this regard is crucial, he noted.
Previously, Bangladesh was dependent on cement import from several countries, including Indonesia, China, Japan and Korea. The imports would cost the country millions in foreign currencies.
Due to comparatively smaller domestic market size the local manufacturers are going to overseas markets for export of their products as more than half the production capacity is wasted.
Alamgir Kabir, Additional Managing Director of Crown Cement company, said still a large number of countries have to depend on import of cement.
In view of the situation, recently they visited Sri Lanka, Myanmar and some of South African countries on market-exploration mission.
The country's cement manufacturers eye the northeastern states of India, Sri Lanka and some of South African countries as potential destinations for their products as many development projects are being taken up over there.
They are inviting the buyers of cement to visit Bangladeshi cement industries -- and they are getting "good response".
According to Bangladesh Cement Manufacturers Association there are more than 125 cement factories in the country. They can satisfy the local demand and cater overseas markets.
In the meantime, a number of big cement manufacturers like Crown Cement, Holcim, Premier Cement, Seven Circle Cement, Tiger Cement, Confidence Cement, Aramit Cement, UltraTech Cement and Fresh Cement are exporting their products to several countries.
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