Following a hiatus of more than 18 months due to the global pandemic, INTERCEM are pleased to announce our return to live, in person events, with a special conference in Limassol, Cyprus this September.
The INTERCEM Mediterranean Rim Cement Forum will look at cement production, trading, shipping, logistics and exports across the Mediterranean region, with leading cement industry experts bringing you the detailed news, analysis, and market projections from across Southern Europe, Northern Africa, and the Levant.
The construction industries have remained impressively resilient throughout the months of lockdown and the subsequent cautious opening up of economic activity. Demand for cement and building materials remains strong, and indicators suggest that this will be the case for the short to medium term at least, assuming national governments continue to implement their promises on infrastructure development.
Despite, very high freight rates, cement and clinker exports have been growing, particularly from the Eastern Mediterranean to the US and parts of Africa. Overcapacity is still a challenge in Egypt, however, there are indications that the Government might now be open to a solution that solves the problem in the short term. Some form of political stability in Libya will help the construction industry and whilst it is difficult to be confident, there does seem to be movement in this direction.
The conference programme will be designed to update delegates on how the market is progressing. Demand and supply patterns are emerging, influenced by environmental regulations rather than more traditional drivers. These regulations, particularly in Northern Europe, will restrict any real increase in capacity, opening up potential markets for exporters from some parts of the region.
The industry is focussed increasingly on sustainable production techniques with a particular emphasis on clinker reduction and the efficient use of energy. The programme will look at the emerging technologies that are rapidly being introduced to help the industry reach its sustainability targets.
This meeting will be the first opportunity in nearly 2 years for cement executives from around the region to meet in person, to share their experiences of getting through the pandemic and taking the opportunity to look the future and what it is likely to bring.
INTERCEM has always been the leader and we are very excited to take this next step to help the industry to reconnect in a real and purposeful way.