Cement industry seeks to be self-sufficient

Cement manufacturers have asked the government to formulate an improved policy so that the country can achieve self-sufficiency and boost exports.
They have demanded, in particular, assistance for extracting and transporting raw materials besides uninterrupted electricity supply.
Currently, most cement factories rely on imported limestone, the chief raw material used in making cement. Due to high import costs, domestic products have not been able to compete with cheaper Indian cement.  
Considering the huge flow of foreign investments in the cement industry, Nepal is likely to produce a surplus in the near future.
Rajesh Agrawal, managing director of Arghakhanchi Cement, said they could manufacture cement in sufficient quantities to fulfil domestic demand and export to the southern neighbour if they received government support.