April 7, 2006	Friday	Rabi-ul-Awwal 8, 1427

ISLAMABAD, April 6: A moratorium on export of cement from April 6 to 30 will help stabilize cement prices in the country. This was stated by Industries and Production Minister Jahangir Khan Tareen during a meeting with the All Pakistan Cement Manufactures Association (APCMA) here on Thursday. Railway Minister Mian Shamin Haider and Industries Secretary Kamran Rasool also attended the meeting.

The APCMA confirmed that moratorium of export of cement was strictly imposed form April 6 and all cements, which were to be exported, were diverted to the local markets. It also assured the minister that they were committed to importing cement for stabilizing prices in the country.

The railway minister assured the APCMA that they would be assisted in the transport of cement to upcountry so as to reduce the cost of transport.

He informed the meeting that 50 trains per month would be run to facilitate the transportation of cement from Karachi to upcountry.—APP