Asia & Pacific Rim

Indian cement manufacturer Ramco Cements posted a net profit of Rs.24.99 crore in the quarter ended 31 March 2014, a 61% y/y decline compared to the corresponding quarter in 2013.

In the quarter ended 31 March, higher sales, increased operational efficiency and stronger prices contributed to achieving net profit of Rs.52.91 crore.

The Fijian cement company has started exporting to New Zealand and has plans to break into Australia.

Reliance Cement Company (RCC) has extended its operations into West Bengal, one of the largest cement consuming states in Eastern India.

YTL Corp Bhd, which has multiple interests, including cement, has reported a rise in net profit despite falling revenue.

The Australian cement and lime producer is expecting full year net profit to be equivalent to 2013.

ABB Pakistan Limited is considering establishing a new assembly line in Pakistan and the APCMA has called for a tax respite.

Indian company Reliance Infrastructure, which has interests in the cement industry, reported a decline in profit and revenue for the quarter ending 31 March.

Chettinad Cement has purchased approximately 20.58% of shares of Anjani Portland Cement Ltd from shareholders, according to a filing released by the latter.

India’s JK Cement increased profits and sales in the quarter ending 31 March 2014.

‘Solid PBT earnings’ in CMSB’s cement, construction and road maintenance, and property development operations helped drive a 21% increase in pre-tax profit in 1Q14.

Pakistan’s construction sector saw 11.31% y/y growth in the current fiscal year on the back of increased government spending, while the country’s GDP rose by 4.14%.

According to India’s Cement Manufacturers' Association (CMA), the generation of power through waste heat recovery (WHR) systems should be classified as a renewable energy source.

Bahrain’s Minister of Industry and Commerce met with the CEO of Al Sager Cement Factory to learn about the company’s expansion plans and express continued support for private sector development.

Mangalam Cement reported an increase in net sales and income from operations and a fall in net profit in the last quarter of FY14.