Skip to main content

Cement makers’ body condemns CCP operation

-The All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) has condemned operation carried out at its office and that of a member and the ensuing harassment and intimidation of officers and staff by the staff of the Competition Commission of Pakistan (CCP) the other day.

The forcible entry of the CCP team, and subsequent action can only serve to damage the atmosphere of investment revival and growth that the present government has striven hard to create. Personal property, including mobile telephones of the staff present at the APCMA office and at the office of a member mill were appropriated without lawful authority. It is apprehended that the items unlawfully appropriated will be tampered with or used selectively, out of context, to malign chosen individuals or companies.

Spokesman said that the APCMA and its member have regularly provided to the CCP all information that has been required. The stated basis of the unwarranted operation on 24.09.2020 is a matter of utmost concern, not only for the cement industry but for all businesses in the country. It has been stated that the action of 24.09.2020 was carried out because of an increase in the market price of cement since April 2020, even though the cost of some items such as fuel has fallen since then. 
The premise that market price of cement or any other item is linked to the cost of production through some simple cost-plus formula betrays a complete lack of understanding of market dynamics and the market determination of price. Market price is determined by the forces of supply and demand and not by variations in the cost of production alone. Cement produced by different manufacturers being a largely homogeneous commodity cannot exhibit significant difference in price across the various brands. This basic fact has also been lost sight of by the CCP.

The cement industry of Pakistan has made large investments into plant expansion and modernization over the last five years. This has led to the cement industry being in a position to play a dynamic role in public interest infrastructure projects, such as the Basha and Mohmand Dams, as well as the revival of the construction sector in general.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

State Bank of Pakistan issued new instructions over the Interest Rates and Deposit Rates

Engro employees who were earlier in contact with the victim test negative for Covid-19

Engro Corporation Limited in its latest Press Release has informed that the employees who were in contact with their colleague affected by the COVID-19 ، undertook the lab test and tested negative for the virus. “On Tuesday (March 11), a few Engro employees who were in contact with their colleague affected by the Coronavirus COVID-19 – undertook the lab test. Results show that all of them have tested negative for the COVID-19 and they have been given a clear bill of health by doctors” the press release said. “The Engro employee who earlier tested positive for the virus is doing well at a local medical facility. The Engro team has been in close touch with the doctors and his family and is extending all possible support” it added. As communicated earlier, Engro offices at The Harbour Front Building shall resume on Monday, March 16, 2020. Employees will continue to work from home till then. In the interim, all Engro floors at the building will be deep cleaned and disinfected.  A...

Govt to provide Rs 400m subsidy to farmers on PB Rope import

The government will provide 400 million rupees subsidy to framers on the import of PB Rope from the current cotton sowing season. According to Cotton Commissioner in the Ministry of National Food Security and Research Dr Khalid Abdullah، subsidy for PB Rope imports for about 2,00,000 hectares would be provided to help overcome threats of pest attacks on crop during its fruiting season and save the crop from damage. He said the amount is being allocated to enhance per-acre cotton output across the crop sowing areas of the country. Cotton Commissioner informed that government in close coordination with private sector had also designed a holistic program to ensure provision of certified cotton seed to farmers in order to achieve maximum per acre crop output during the season and get more profit.