Cement consumption rises 30 percent

Cement consumption in the country posted a 30 percent year-on-year rise in January 2015, reaching 5.87 million tonnes.
Cement consumption in the country posted a 30 percent year-on-year rise in January 2015, reaching 5.87 million tonnes.

The latest figures from the Department of Building Materials under theMinistry of Construction showed that local cement consumption in thefirst month of the year was higher than those in the previous month andin the same period last year.

Specifically, the consumption was4.37 million tonnes, which is 6 percent and 47 percent higher than lastDecember and January, respectively.

Of the total, the VietnamCement Industry Corporation (VICEM) sold 1.41 million tonnes of cementin local markets, 46 percent higher than its sales in the correspondingperiod last year.

In addition, the amount of cement exported was estimated at 1.5 million tonnes.

The department said that the selling price of cement last month wasmore stable than its price last year, thanks to the balance in supplyand demand of cement production and consumption.

By the end of last month, the cement inventory was 2.69 million tonnes, primarily comprising clinker.

Furthermore, the ministry predicted that cement consumption in 2015would reach 71 to 73 million tonnes, which would be a 4 to 7 percentrise from that in 2014. Of this total, local consumption is expected tobe 52 to 53 million tonnes and exports will reach 21 to 22 milliontonnes.

Director of the Department of Building Materials, LeVan Toi, noted that as Vietnamese producers have been part of the cementexport market for four years, they have experience in marketexploration and contract negotiation.

Chairman of the VietnamCement Association, Nguyen Quang Cung, agreed with this view, addingthat most cement manufacturers in the world target foreign marketsbecause exports can help balance supply and demand.

Cung alsopointed out that local cement businesses made significant investments inmodern production lines, branding Vietnam as a major cement exporteramong countries in Southeast Asia.

Moreover, the cement sector should adopt proper methods to promote its export by 2025-30.

Several private cement producers have seen positive results in their exports.

Chairman of the Vissai Cement Group in northern Ninh Binh province,Hoang Manh Truong, affirmed that they had been active in theirproduction and consumption activities, adding that the company's cementexports were equivalent to domestic consumption.

Truong alsoremarked that the group had signed an export contract of 1.2 milliontonnes of clinker with Bangladesh, which brought its market count to 20countries and territories. These include Germany, Mozambique, Congo,Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, France, Australia and the United States.-VNA

See more

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino speaks at the Panama-Vietnam Business Forum on October 7 in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, Panama seek to expand economic cooperation

In the presence of President Mulino, VCCI and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Agriculture of Panama signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation, enhance trade and investment promotion programmes, and support bilateral investment and trade.

Ministry updates on Vietnam-US reciprocal trade agreement talks

Ministry updates on Vietnam-US reciprocal trade agreement talks

The US is one of Vietnam’s major trading partners and holds paramount importance to the country’s exports. The conclusion of the bilateral trade agreement will help establish a stable and balanced trade framework toward sustainable development and open up greater opportunities for cooperation between the two countries.

MICE visitors enjoy services at Song Be Golf Resort in Ho Chi Minh City. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City shifts MICE tourism from venues to experiences

Ho Chi Minh City boasts significant advantages for MICE tourism, with the central area offering strengths in finance, trade and services; Binh Duong in industry, exhibitions and business connectivity; and Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Con Dao in marine tourism, resorts, ecology and distinctive experiences.

National Brand products are on display at the Vietnam National Brand International Forum. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam's national brand value jumps 45% to over 462 bln USD

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Luong Hoang Thai outlined Vietnam's National Brand Programme 's achievements, the role of business community and plans for brand development in a press interview ahead of the 10th Vietnam National Brand Product recognition ceremony on October 16.

Khanh Hoa province possesses significant advantages for renewable energy projects and new energy sectors. (Photo: VNA)

New value chains from two industrial – renewable energy centres

To implement the revised Power Development Plan VIII, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has proposed establishing two inter-regional renewable energy industrial and service centres in the northern and southern regions to develop the renewable energy sector and a complete value chain.

WB Senior Environmental Specialist and Task Team Leader Stephen Ling speaks at the working session (Photo; VNA)

Ca Mau, WB cooperate in sustainable fisheries development

Scheduled to run from 2026 to 2029, the project aims to develop the local fisheries sector and deepen global integration, while adapting to climate change and protecting the environment through infrastructure upgrades, technological innovation, and better management and production capacity.

Vice President of the Vietnamese National Assembly Nguyen Hong Dien speaks at the forum. (Photo: Vietnam Trade Promotion Agency)

Tanzanian businesses seek greater cooperation, investment opportunities with Vietnam

Attending the forum during his working visit to Tanzania, Vice President of the National Assembly Nguyen Hong Dien said the two economies were highly complementary. Tanzania has strengths in natural resources, agriculture, energy, its domestic market and its strategic position in East Africa, while Vietnam has advantages in manufacturing and processing, high-tech agriculture, electronics, telecommunications and international trade.

The automatic ticketing system that uses electronic identification, authentication, biometric recognition and cashless payment for passengers on the Cat Linh-Ha Dong railway line in Hanoi. (Photo: VNA)

Cashless payments open gateway to financial inclusion

Cashless payments continued to grow rapidly in the first eight months of 2026. The number and value of cashless transactions rose 34.56% and 13.26% year-on-year, respectively, while online transactions increased 46.57% in number and 21.77% in value.