ALGIERS - Algeria ambitions to export nearly 6 million tonnes of cement by 2020, said Tuesday in Algiers Minister of Industry and Mines, Djamila Tamazirt.



 The minister told a study day on "the construction of concrete cement roads", that the strategy drafted in recent years by the public authorities was based on the launch of major investments in cement production.



This approach complies with the country’s objective to meet the needs of several sectors, such as building, public works, housing and hydraulics, on the one hand and limit the import of this material on the other hand.



         These investments enabled the country to achieve, since 2017, self-sufficiency in this sector. It also reached a production capacity of around 32 million tonnes during the same year and it is expected to exceed 40 million tonnes in 2020, once several plants come into force, said the minister.



In this respect, the industry ministry set up "a special action plan to facilitate the export of production surplus and engage a reflection on possible usages of this material," added the minister.



          Calling for the construction of logistic services likely to facilitate cement export at competitive prices, the minister announced that efforts are made to help Algeria access new international markets.



 The minister stressed the need for improving Algerian cement competitiveness, in terms of quality, price and conformity with international standards.



Algeria included only three cement plants after independence. It now has 17 plants.