International Cement Conference to open Monday

The 10th International Cement Trade and Industry Conference (INTERCEM), organized by Qatar National Cement Company (QNCC), is to kick off at the Doha Sheraton Hotel on Monday.  The two-day conference will discuss a number of issues related to the cement industry and the upcoming challenges, specially in light of tightening environmental laws limiting the establishment of new cement factories.   Additionally, it addresses different topics including the effect of construction and infrastructure projects amid the renaissance the country is witnessing as well as the impetus the 2022 FIFA World Football Cup competition will add to an already dynamic construction market and its impact on cement demand.  Cement industry experts from over 12 countries are expected to participate in the conference which will look at the cement and construction markets of Qatar and the other major regional economies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. There will also be country reviews of Egypt, India, Pakistan, Iran, and North Africa.  The conference will showcase Nigeria as a model case study in examination of its success in achieving self-sufficiency in terms of its local market cement needs.   An exhibition on the sidelines of INTERCEM will be held by over 25 leading companies in the sector on a local, regional, and international level.   INTERCEM was previously held in Doha in 2009.