KARACHI, Nov 28: Cement manufacturers have assured the government of around $300 million earning in the next six months by exporting four to five million tons of cement provided necessary port facilities are created.

They urged the government to provide dedicated berths at Port Qasim and the Karachi Port to facilitate cement exports, which have been interrupted by wheat imports causing congestion at both the ports.

The APCMA (All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association) at a recent meeting in Lahore discussed the difficulties being faced by the industry in export of cement by sea due to congestion at the ports.

It was observed that in an environment of adverse balance of payment position the government is ignoring exports — a policy which needs to be reviewed.

They suggested that since immediate requirement of wheat had been met it would be prudent to import the balance quantity through the Gwadar Port.

The cement manufacturers expressed their concern over the high interest rates being charged by the banks, which will seriously retard the growth of the industry. It was hoped that the banks would remain within the directives of the State Bank and there will be no further increase in the rates.

They also expressed serious concern over high and unreasonable level of marking fee being charged by the Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) without providing any service to the industry.

The APCMA members expressed serious concern over the start of criminal proceedings against some of the cement manufacturers by PSQCA. They urged the ministry of science and technology to intervene and resolve the issue amicably.