Monday, January 23, 2012

THAILAND: Cement supplier predicts 2012 sales revival



THE transition to a democratic government in 2011 affected a number of construction projects and reduced cement sales, a major international supplier said recently.

Mr Syamrath Suthanukul, the marketing director of Thailand’s Siam Cement Company (SCG), said year-on-year sales fell by about 20 percent from 2010.

“In 2011, our cement exports to Myanmar were down by about 20 percent from 2010 because of the changes that were taking place within the government. As a result, a number of projects were delayed,” Mr Syamrath said.

“There were also fewer projects in 2011,” he added.

He said 2010 had been a record year for SCG’s exports with many projects under construction in Nay Pyi Taw buying its cement.

He added that the company had established a firm hold in Myanmar but expected to face increased competition in coming years.

“We know that there will be more cement brands in Myanmar in coming years and we expect to face strong competition but it’s still a great market to be in,” he added.

“For 2012, we’re hoping the market will be great for us,” he said, adding that the company supplied a number of government projects.

Mr Kan Trakulhoon, chief executive officer and president of SCG, told The Myanmar Times that the company was anticipating strong sales in 2012.

“SCG exports a lot of products to Myanmar. For example, the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw highway is made from our Elephant brand cement. We are willing to spend more of our budget in Myanmar,” he said.

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