Friday, April 1, 2011

LEBANON: Cimenterie Nationale sponsors 7th annual cement gathering Intercem, hosted in Lebanon for the first time

Cimenterie Nationale, producer of Al Sabeh Cement, in collaboration with the International Conference on Cement Markets, Trade, Distribution and Industry Development (Intercem) and the Arab Union for Cement and Building Material AUCBM, hosted the 7th annual exhibition and conference on the cement industry, for the first time in Lebanon, under the hospices of HE Mr. Abraham Dedeyan, the acting Minister of Industry.


The gathering, held from March 27 - 29, 2011 at the Habtoor Grand Hotel, served as a meeting place for cement industry leaders from across the region, unfolding over the course of two days.

Cimenterie Nationale, the Lebanese board member of AUCBM, and the largest cement manufacturer in Lebanon, was proud to bring this international event to Beirut and oversee the organization and success of the conference. The two-day event gathered regional and international industry leaders, bankers, experts and reputable officials from both public and private sectors, to discuss the latest developments in the related field. This event was also sponsored by Bank AUDI and Bank BEMO.

On the occasion, CEO of Cimenterie Nationale, Mr. Pierre Doumet, was keen to welcome the international guests, with an insight into the cement sector, "for those who make a living in this manufacturing sector, there are two incompatible truths that have to be juggled with every day: most people cannot accept a life without cement and they do not want the negative impact (of making it) on their environment."

On this note, Mr. Doumet explained how Cimenterie Nationale has sought to extend beyond the technical and manufacturing constraints, whereby "the challenge is to care, to listen closely and to give back to our communities with the vision, intelligence and generosity they expect of us. As their expectations grow, so does the challenge."

The conference included a rich program filled with various speaking opportunities and workshops that were focused on the global cement industry. Discussions also sought to dig deep into Lebanon's overall trade status. The conference also tackled prospects for the Arabian Peninsula, with sessions on shipping, trading and developments in handling and logistics.

Several panel discussions and presentations were held, which included several high profile speakers and attendees such as: His Excellency Mr. Abraham Dedeyan, the Minister of Industry; as well as His Excellency Mr. Fadi Abboud, the Minister of Tourism. 

Adib El Hachem, Marketing and Sales Director at Cimenterie Nationale, presented a paper on the history and evolution of the Lebanese Cement Industry with a specific focus on Cimenterie Nationale.

Cimenterie Nationale in addition to being the largest cement producer in Lebanon is also the largest exporter, with a production capacity of over 2.8 million tons a year and a capital of $100,000,000. Regionally the products are distributed to the Levant, African as well as European markets. In order to serve its clients in the most optimal way, Cimenterie Nationale has set up its own seaport and trucks fleet, providing its products both by land and by sea.

Keen on enhancing the relationship with key stakeholders from across the region, Cimenterie Nationale cordially hosted a gala dinner on March 28, 2011, at le Bristol Hotel, where international guests and prominent figures in the cement industry were welcomed by the Chairman and CEO of Cimenterie Nationale, Mr. Pierre J Doumet and his team.

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