Tarin stresses need for cut in cement prices

Says cement sector helped trigger V-shaped economic recovery in testing times

ISLAMABAD:

There is a need to provide industrial inputs such as cement and steel at affordable prices to carry forward the momentum of economic recovery in Pakistan amid the Covid-19 pandemic, said Finance Minister Shaukat Tarin.

In a meeting with representatives of cement manufacturers at the Finance Division on Tuesday, he emphasised the need for reducing the price of cement, citing that the industry was vital for Pakistan due to its backward and forward linkages with the construction sector.

The finance minister lauded the contribution of the cement industry and added that it helped trigger a V-shaped economic recovery during the coronavirus pandemic in the country.

He termed the cement industry a building block for the construction sector.

Tarin underlined the stimulus measures taken by the government to support the construction industry, which resulted in a rebound in economic activity during the pandemic.

The finance minister urged the representatives of the cement sector to hold a consultative session with the relevant stakeholders and present firm proposals for a sustainable pricing mechanism.

He stressed that the move would give a boost to the construction industry by providing industrial inputs at a reasonable cost.

Additionally, the minister affirmed full support and facilitation to the cement industry.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 25^th, 2021.

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