Cement Insudtry Overview Last 49 Years
Cement industry overview: Bangladesh 40 years on
Introduction
Last year Bangladesh celebrated its 40th birthday. Possibly a celebration for some but more likely, for others, the occasion brought back terrible memories of suffering and hardship. This country of fertile plains, luscious terrain, with its remarkably rich history and heritage, was born in 1971 following a bitter struggle for independence that claimed the lives of over 3 million people. The birth pains linger; there is much poverty and many challenges lie ahead, but there are also expectations for better things to come through foreign direct investment (FDI) and infrastructure development.
Meeting infrastructure needs
Last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicated that Bangladesh’s economy had become the 48th largest in the world. The UK Investors Chronicle has identified Bangladesh as one of the world’s seven hottest emerging markets due to its relatively stable currency with solid foreign reserves and record foreign remittances, as well as 6.7% real growth rate in 2011. The Bangladesh government has set itself the challenge to transform into a middle income country by 2021. In line with this strategic vision, the government has undertaken massive programmes for infrastructure development in partnership with the private sector. As the government allows 100% FDI, the infrastructure sector offers an interesting mix of opportunities for overseas interests.
In October 2011, Bangladesh and the ADB announced a US$4.5 billion five-year Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), which will include an investment programme of about US$4.5 billion for 2011 – 15. ADB’s support will be focused on six sectors: energy, transport, urban development, education, agriculture, and natural resources and finance. In the energy sector, ADB will aim to enhance access to power, to improve energy efficiency and to develop a policy and regulatory setting conducive to private sector participation. In transport, ADB’s
Introduction
Last year Bangladesh celebrated its 40th birthday. Possibly a celebration for some but more likely, for others, the occasion brought back terrible memories of suffering and hardship. This country of fertile plains, luscious terrain, with its remarkably rich history and heritage, was born in 1971 following a bitter struggle for independence that claimed the lives of over 3 million people. The birth pains linger; there is much poverty and many challenges lie ahead, but there are also expectations for better things to come through foreign direct investment (FDI) and infrastructure development.
Meeting infrastructure needs
Last year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicated that Bangladesh’s economy had become the 48th largest in the world. The UK Investors Chronicle has identified Bangladesh as one of the world’s seven hottest emerging markets due to its relatively stable currency with solid foreign reserves and record foreign remittances, as well as 6.7% real growth rate in 2011. The Bangladesh government has set itself the challenge to transform into a middle income country by 2021. In line with this strategic vision, the government has undertaken massive programmes for infrastructure development in partnership with the private sector. As the government allows 100% FDI, the infrastructure sector offers an interesting mix of opportunities for overseas interests.
In October 2011, Bangladesh and the ADB announced a US$4.5 billion five-year Country Partnership Strategy (CPS), which will include an investment programme of about US$4.5 billion for 2011 – 15. ADB’s support will be focused on six sectors: energy, transport, urban development, education, agriculture, and natural resources and finance. In the energy sector, ADB will aim to enhance access to power, to improve energy efficiency and to develop a policy and regulatory setting conducive to private sector participation. In transport, ADB’s