This was reported by Deputy Prime Minister Hoang Trung Hai at the meeting with the Vietnam Cement Industry Corporation (Vicem) in Hanoi on September 23.

The Deputy PM praised Vicem's efforts to overcome difficulties and achieve a high growth rate of over 20 percent, which has contributed significantly to meeting domestic demands and stabilizing the economy.

However, Vicem still has to deal with the high cost of input materials, environmental pollution, low productivity and outdated machinery.

Mr Hai asked the State Bank of Vietnam to give priority to Vicem regarding its debt payment and reinvestment. He also asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment to issue strict regulations to prevent exploration that could negatively affect the cement industry’s sustainable development.