A total of 117 companies from 21 countries have invested in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, Yangon Region, and an international Korean cement factory is also operated there. The factory produces one million tonnes of cement per year and makes plans to distribute cement to quake-hit areas.

The factory is now producing the needed cement for the reconstruction processes of quake-impacted people, ministries and organizations. Here is an interview with managing director Mr Hwang Sung Take, production in-charge U Zaw Min Latt and sales in-charge U Htoo Aung Kyaw of the Yojin Myanmar Cement Factory.

Mr Hwang Sung Take (Managing Director)

Yojin Myanmar Cement Company is a company that not only operates within Myanmar but also runs business ventures in the United States and Singapore. Since 2016, the company has invested US$70 million in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone. At full capacity, the factory can produce and distribute one million tonnes of cement annually. Raw materials are imported from abroad, and the plant is operated by a workforce of 165 employees. After the COVID-19 period, the company expanded its local workforce to expand the job opportunities in the region.

Before the COVID-19 period, the raw materials were imported from Indonesia and Malaysia, and we purchased them locally and produced them. Although the machinery is in good condition and capable of meeting full production demand, the company is currently operating at only 10 per cent of its annual production capacity due to limited access to raw materials. After the recent earthquake, the domestic supply of raw materials has declined. To address potential shortages in the market, we are striving to import raw materials from abroad.

Recently, we applied for permission to import 75,000 tonnes of clinker from overseas and are currently awaiting approval. If we are granted, we will be able to transport between 3,000 and 27,000 tonnes by ship within one week. If we are also able to import sufficient raw materials from Shan State and Hpa-an, we will be able to produce in line with market demand. Although the company is currently importing cement from abroad, delays in raw material imports continue to pose challenges in distribution processes in the local market.

As we continue distributing cement to the current market, we are doing our utmost to ensure the availability of high-quality cement at fair and reasonable prices to support the nation’s reconstruction efforts. For areas affected by the recent earthquake, we are mindful of the long transportation routes involved and are striving to prevent any financial burden on buyers due to fixed prices.

We are offering the direct factory price at K24,000 per bag for those who wish to purchase directly. Produced with high-quality German machinery, our cement is designed to meet the standards without causing any inconvenience to users. We are fully prepared to meet the country’s cement demand and are committed to supplying it at fair and stable prices.

U Zaw Min Latt (Production In-Charge)

The Yojin Myanmar Cement Factory, located in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, is equipped with machinery manufactured in Germany and produces high-quality cement through a collaborative effort between Korean experts and local staff. Although the factory can produce up to 3,000 tonnes per month, it is currently unable to meet full market demand due to a shortage of raw materials. At present, using the limited domestic supply of raw materials, the factory is operating at about 700 tonnes per day-only 20 per cent of its full production capacity. If sufficient raw materials can be received, whether from foreign countries or the country, the factory will be able to operate at full capacity and reliably meet market demand, ensuring that consumers have ready access to the cement they need.

All necessary materials for reconstruction efforts in quake-affected areas can be directly coordinated with the factory. We will help as much as we can. Although we sell in the Yangon market, those from quake-battered areas can place orders at hwang.sungtaek@yojin.co.kr.

U Htoo Aung Kyaw (Sales In-Charge)

Our company is located in the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, we mainly distribute in the Yangon market. We produce about 700 tonnes per day. We successfully donated to the quake-affected areas. We are also ready to distribute if the government wants us to. Currently, we distribute in towns and villages of the Yangon Region and also distribute to the Ayeyawady Region. We sell at K24,000 per bag.

Especially for earthquake-impacted regions, while there is currently no fixed pricing set, if raw materials can be accessed easily and in sufficient quantities from abroad, we are prepared to collaborate with the government upon request. We are also ready to supply cement at a more affordable and appropriate price than at present.

As the factory mainly relies on imported raw materials, we are currently producing only 700 tonnes per day. However, if the necessary raw materials are fully available, we are in a position to meet market demand and produce as much as required. This will also allow for cheaper prices. We are fully prepared to work with other factories to meet the country’s cement needs. We are also ready to participate in the construction processes of quake-stricken areas.

Translated by KTZH

#TheGlobalNewLightOfMyanmar