The World Cement Association (WCA) announced that Vietnam’s largest cement exporter Vissai Cement has joined its fast-growing, international membership. The association now boasts a network of members and representatives that cover 26 countries.
“We are delighted that with Vissai Cement, we are welcoming a new member from an exciting country to our international community,” said Norman Greig, secretary general of the WCA. “A lot is happening in the Vietnamese cement industry right now, and Vissai’s fast-growing, diversified and international operations make them a valuable partner to work with.”
Vissai Cement was established in Vietnam in 2005 as Vinakansai Cement Co. Its initial production of 1.2 tons has increased to an annual volume of 13.6 MioT across four plants, with exports of more than 6 MioT of cement to 36 countries worldwide. Operating in a growing market, Vissai Cement is expected to further expand its operations across the globe in the coming years.
The group will especially benefit from the forthcoming opening of an international port in central northern Vietnam that will allow loading of Panamax-sized vessels faster and more efficiently. In under a decade, the Vietnamese cement industry has transformed from a cement-importer to the world’s second largest exporter. This transformation is driven by strong domestic demand as the Vietnamese economy has seen annual growth of between 5.2 percent and 6.7 percent during the last five years. Meanwhile the country’s urbanization rate is expected to increase to 40 percent by 2020, from 34 percent in 2016, which will further boost demand as the government announces new investments in infrastructure projects.
