[Original] Myanmar Cement Industry Has a Promising Future, Siam Group Breaks Export Pattern

   Chana Poomee, director of Siam Group Cement Building Materials in Myanmar, revealed that the Myanmar market is becoming more and more attractive for cement producers. With the acceleration of urbanization and the growth of residential housing construction projects, the market demand for building materials is also growing, especially in Yangon, Mandalay and Naypyidaw. "In recent years, the Myanmar government has allowed foreign investment, domestic GDP and per capita GDP have increased, and consumption demand and foreign investment have also increased.". This has brought more sales opportunities and market expansion possibilities to the group. Poomee said.

   Led by the ASEAN Economic Community (ASEAN), which will be established at the end of next year to reduce trade frictions and simplify customs procedures among ASEAN countries, the Siam Group sees greater potential for the development of the Myanmar market.

   Poomee said the group's consolidated sales in Myanmar this year reached 2 million tons. Currently, the two main subsidiaries of the Group in Myanmar are Myanmar CPAC Service and Mawlamyine Cement.

   The Group's first cement plant in Mon State, Myanmar, is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2016. At present, the road construction in the plant area has been completed, and the 40 MW power plant for production power supply is also under construction. SCG has signed a contractor to build the plant, which is expected to produce 1.8 million tons of cement annually.

   In addition, Siam Group is also looking for opportunities to build new plants or merge other cement companies in Myanmar in the future. "Although it depends on market demand and customer needs." Poomee said.

   The group is also eyeing market expansion opportunities in other ASEAN countries such as Indonesia, Vietnam and Cambodia.

   The group's revenues exceeded 434 billion baht ( $13 billion) last year. Paper, chemicals and cement building materials have become the three main business sectors of the group.

   "Siam is an industry leader in both the cement and ready-mix concrete markets in Myanmar," Poomee said. With the continuous growth of domestic infrastructure projects in Myanmar, the market potential of building materials will be greater.

   The Siam Group will also donate US $62,600 to build the world's largest reclining Buddha in Myanmar.

   Kan Trakulkoon, president and CEO of Siam Group, said that environmentally friendly investment is key to the development of enterprises. "Like other ASEAN countries, the group will meet and improve its environmental obligations," he said at this year's ASEAN Sustainable Development Meeting on November 14.