MUSCAT: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion held a joint meeting in Muscat on Tuesday with departments concerned and related companies to discuss cement shortage in some governorates of Oman.
The meeting reaffirmed that the public and private partnership is the basis of integrative action. It also stressed that opening direct channels of dialogue will contribute in understanding the needs of the market and the challenges facing Omani cement factories.
One of the local factories suspended its production due to the hike costs of raw materials used in the production process. Accordingly, Oman Cement Company announced its readiness to boost its production capacity by 10 per cent to meet the local demand.
The meeting was presided over by Qais bin Mohammed al Yousuf, Minister of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion. Dr Saleh bin Said Masan, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion for Commerce and Industry, officials and CEOs of cement factories, as well as representatives of cement import companies and distribution companies were present.
Dr Saleh said that the ministry has always been keen on dealing with challenges and finding suitable solutions. He affirmed that the meeting resulted in taking several measures to ensure the availability of cement in the upcoming period in all governorates of Oman, while maintaining prices.
This can be achieved by ramping up the output of some local factories, as well as facilitating direct import of cement from other countries to cover shortage while adhering to the standards approved in Oman.