China will likely see number of its cement manufacturers
declined to 1,000-odd in 2010 from the current 5,000-plus, said Lei
Qianzhi, head of China Cement Association.
In the coming few years, mergers and acquisitions will speed up
in the industry, Lei noted at a press conference held Wednesday for
promulgation of state criteria on energy-efficiency designs for
cement production. The criteria, involving buildings, power systems
and mining related to cement production, will take effect on May 1,
2008.
Lei forecast this year China's cement production would reach 1.4
billion tons, or 48 percent of the world's total.
Lei said in the 2006-2010 period, the cement industry should
focus on technical upgrading and enhancing concentration of
manufacturing through accelerated mergers and acquisitions.
In the upgrading and takeovers, new-type dry process should
account for 50 percent to 60 percent of China's total cement
output, according to Lei. The proportion averaged 50 percent at
present, Lei added.
By 2010, the top 10 cement manufacturers will make up 400
million tons, or 30 percent, of annual output nationwide.
According to the 2006-2010 development plan for the cement
industry, the sector should have its energy consumption for every
10,000 yuan of GDP reduce by 25 percent from the 2005 level.
(Xinhua News Agency November 15, 2007)
