It is reported that Aaress Iron & Steel is setting up a steel plant at Hospet in Bellary district of Karnataka. The project to be implemented in two phases will spread over 1,800 acre.

Phase I with an investment of INR 4,400 crore will have a 1 million tonnes per annum finished steel plant along with a 35x2 MW power plant. Financial closure is expected by end 2008 and the company is in negotiation with L&T, Shapoorji & Pallonji and Gammon Infrastructure for major civil work for the Phase I. Basic infrastructural work has commenced with completion scheduled for 2010.

Work on Phase II is under planning stage which will comprise of a 1.25 million tonnes per annum hot rolled steel unit with an investment of INR 7,500 crore.

MECON is appointed as the project consultant for the second phase.

The fast developing Indian steel industries are continuing beyond what most believed was possible.

As one of the world's fastest growing economies, India has become the most happening place among world steel market over last few years and thus is in the radar of not only Indian but most of global players associated with steel industry. But due to fragmented nature of industry, a comprehensive list of smaller steel makers is not readily available.

'Indian Stainless Steelmakers Directory 2008' is one of the top sources of information available on steel making companies in India. It is one of the most comprehensive and accurate directory of Indian steel companies that have ever been published. This powerful report is your connection to the entire Indian steel industries sector.

Published in March 2008, 'Indian Stainless Steelmakers Directory 2008' has been comprehensively researched and prepared, to bring you a fully up to date guide to India's rapidly growing steel makers. This report will be extremely useful to businesses that deal specifically with companies in the iron and steel industry, ferroalloys, consumable suppliers, raw material sellers, equipment makers and others.

Whether you are a product manager, in charge of marketing, raw material seller, in equipment business or simply interested to remain in touch with the latest developments in the Indian steel industries, this directory will save you time and effort in finding the information you need.

This report will enable you to profile steel makers in India, build new business prospects, generate new customers, discover who your competitors are and make vital contacts. You would save the time, money and effort of doing your own research. This directory has been especially compiled to assist with market research, strategic planning, as well as contacting prospective clients or suppliers. It is also an indispensable guide to India’s and steel industries.

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This report covers name and product details of 55 of Indian stainless steelmakers in Alphabetical as well as production wise order.

Look at the information you'll get in the 'Indian Stainless Steelmakers Directory 2008'

• Company name -55 entries
• Address-55 entries
• Phone number-55 entries
• Fax number -55 entries
• Email -55 entries
• Products & Services

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Zee news cited Mr Shibu Soren CM of Jharkhand as saying that the Jharkhand government is committed to industrial development but not at the cost of displacing people.

Mr Soren said that “It is the duty and responsibility of the state government to encourage industrial development and we assure to provide all facilities including land and law and order to those wishing to set up units in Jharkhand.”

He said that the government is aware of the pain and insecurity of displaced farmers who have to give up land for industrial projects, adding the rehabilitation and resettlement policy is in place and would be implemented.

He added that the bitter experience of displacement has led the villagers to feel insecure whenever a proposal to set up industry on their land would come up. The state government would launch an awareness campaign in this regard.

It is reported that Damodar Valley Corporation and TATA Power Company on September 26th 2008 signed an MoU to jointly explore options for capacity augmentation, coal mining and setting up a research and development facility.

TPCL has a 1,050 MW JV thermal power project with DVC named Maithon Power in which the TATAs hold 76% stake.

Press Trust of India reported that Mr Shibu Soren CM Jharkhand recently renewed his appeal to TATA Motors to set up its Nano car project in the state and assured to provide all facilities.

Mr Soren said that “The 100 year old TATA company is a Jharkhand company and we are assuring TATA Motors assistance to set up their Nano car project in the state, addressing industrialists at 'Canvas India 2008' trade fair here.

He said that “When we can allot huge tracts of land and other facilities to the TATAs to set up a steel plant as well as an automobile unit here cannot we provide a small piece of land for the Nano project in Jharkhand ?” he asked and suggested that the company leave Singur where it is facing resistance.

Mr Soren had made a similar offer a month ago when he assumed power.

Mr Sudhir Mahto Industry minister of Jharkhand said that TATA Motors could identify land anywhere in the state for the small car project and the government would provide land and other facilities at the earliest.

It is reported that Himachal Pradesh government on September 26th 2008 cleared18 projects worth INR 3,100 crore of which biggest project proposals is of Solaryan Technologies with an investment of INR 2,400 crore and INR 400 crore investment proposal of Indorama Industries.

Other project proposals which were approved include Pidilite Industries, Meditech Garments of the Advantage Organic Naturals Technologies and Crew BOS Products.

The Meditech Garments will set up its unit in Dochi area of Solan district to manufacture special type of garments. Patiala Industrial Investment has also been given approval for a tractor unit in Baddi industrial area for its INR 20 crore project and Pritika has chosen Una district for investing INR 58 core to manufacture auto and tractor spare parts.

Reuters reported that Indian refiners processed 2.5% more crude oil in August 2008 than a year ago, the slowest growth in three months as lower output from Reliance Industries' plant dragged.

Refineries in Asia's third largest oil consumer processed 3.172 million barrels per day of crude last month, when margins for simple Asian refiners were at USD 1.07 a barrel. They processed 3.096 million barrel per day in August 2007. According to government data, overall refiners' utilization ran at 106% of installed capacity in August up from 103.8% a year ago.

Reliance's 660,000 barrel per day refinery at Jamnagar in western Gujarat state processed 5.7% less crude after its fluidized catalytic cracking unit developed a problem for about two weeks. Total output had jumped an annual 11.8% in July as production at Essar Oil's Vadinar refinery more than doubled year on year.

In August, Essar saw output more than treble to 260,300 barrel per day from a year earlier as the plant, also in Gujarat, ran at a higher capacity than its designed 210,000 barrel per day.

Capacity use at IOC's 7 refineries during August was 99.3% as some units including a 76,000 barrel per day crude unit at its biggest refinery were shut for regular maintenance towards the end of the month.

Hindustan Petroleum Corp's Mumbai plant ran at 134.7% of capacity last month while Bharat Petroleum's Mumbai refinery operated at 104.7%. Annual crude oil output which meets over 30% of domestic demand was down by 1% in August from a year earlier at 672,900 barrel per day.

India plans to add 2.14 million barrel per day of refining capacity by 2012 to its existing 2.98 million barrel per day and expects domestic demand for oil products to expand at a compounded annual growth rate of 2.9% to 132 million tonnes by 2012.

GMR Infrastructure said that Indira Gandhi International Airport’s third runway 11 to 29 has opened for commercial operations. The runway had earlier been inaugurated by Mr Praful Patel minister of Civil Aviation when the first proving flight a Boeing 777 operated by Air India landed on August 21st 2008.

The runway inaugurated 6 months ahead of schedule is the longest runway in India and is capable of handling the largest aircraft category that is Code F which comprises of giants like the Airbus A380 and the Antonov An-225.

In the initial phase, the new runway 11 to 29 will be operated in tandem with the existing runway 10 to 28. During this period, runway 28 will be used for all departure flights, while all flight arrivals will take place on runway 29. Since runways 11 to 29 and 10 to 28 are parallel, their simultaneous operation will significant expand IGIA capacity to handle aircraft movements.

In addition, the runway is equipped with CAT IIIB instrument Landing System at both ends allowing compatible aircraft to land even when the visibility is as low as 50 m. This will complement the existing CAT IIIB equipment on runway 10 to 28 making IGI Airport the only one in India to have twin runways with this advanced Instrument landing System in addition an advanced Surface Movement Guidance System, featuring induction loop sensors has been deployed to track the movement of the aircraft along the runway. Indira Gandhi International Airport is operated by GMR Infrastructure.

Oil & Natural Gas Corporation Ltd has recently signed a MoU with Assam PWD for investing INR 10.1 crore on improvement and strengthening the 19 kilometer Nazira-Sivasagar road and the 14 kilometer Joysagar-Nazira road.

A senior engineer of ONGC said that “The condition of both the main roads connecting Nazira with Sivasagar and Joysagar had deteriorated leading to serious problems for both vehicles and commuters. The district administration and social organizations have been pleading that the roads be rebuilt. ONGC has agreed to bear the entire cost of rebuilding the roads measuring 33 kilometer in length as part of its local area development efforts.”

The state PWD will execute the job in 12 months from the date of award of work. The company had built the Nazira Ali stretch, connecting Sivasagar with Raj Garh Tiniali, in 2000-01 at a cost of INR 3.43 crore through Border Roads Organization

It is reported that Punjab government has approved the master plan for Ludhiana for the growth and development of the region. The master plan has been made for a projected population of 48 million tonnes by 2021. Though the government has decided to prepare the master plan of other towns and cities, the exercise to prepare the Ludhiana master plan was taken up on priority in 2007.

The proposed master plan has been prepared within the framework of the Punjab Regional & Town Planning & Development Act, 2006 with a total planning area of 1271.22 square kilometer comprising Ludhiana, Sahnewal, Doraha, Mullapur, Phillaur and 301 villages falling in the notified local planning area Ludhiana.

4 towns and 228 villages fall under the revenue boundary of Ludhiana district and the remaining are under Jalandhar district. However, the individual development plans outside the MC limits of Mullanpur, Doraha and Phillaur will be undertaken separately.

While planning the area, the present population has been shown around 19 million tonnes. The projected population in 2011 is expected to be 34 million tonnes and by 2021 it is estimated to be 48 million tonnes. The projected population in based on the fact that the strong economic base in the city is attracting MNCs and builders and this would attract more people to the city.

The role of the Greater Ludhiana Area Development Authority and urban local bodies will be to create the road network and other services in accordance with the master plan. For funding network projects, collection of external development charges has been proposed.

The proposed land use has been divided into residential, commercial, mixed land use, industrial, recreational, traffic and transport, government, public and semi public, agriculture and water bodies. The local planning area has been divided into different zones and sectors. The area outside Ludhiana MC limits has been divided into 54 planning zones to regulate development.

BL reported that the wind power producers in Coimbatore district are dismayed over the action of the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board in cutting off power supply to the feeders linked to the wind farms in an isolated pocket in the district so as to enforce the power cut on the industries that are served by the same feeders.

The TNEB’s action is preventing the wind farms from supplying power to the state grid at a time when the grid is sorely in need of every unit of power, they contend.

Mr K Kasthurirangaiyan vice chairman of Indian Wind Power Association said that Coimbatore district has an installed capacity of around 1,380 MW of wind power. The Plant Load Factor of the wind power generating units is around 22% to 25% and the actual generation could be around 500 MW based on the PLF.

Mr Kasthurirangaiyan said that the TNEB has imposed a 5 hour power cut on consumers drawing power from the state grid in Coimbatore district. This cut was also imposed on feeders to which were linked with some of the wind power generating units in Udamalpet, Poolavadi and nearby areas. TNEB’s action was ostensibly to enforce the power cut on industries that may be connected to the same feeders as the wind power units and the board may be technically right. But this has robbed the grid of getting precious power from the wind farms since they could not evacuate the power when the power cut to the feeders connected to the wind farms was in force.
All are equal

He appealed to the TNEB to rollback its decision and exempt the feeders linked to wind farms from power cut. He pointed out that if one considered the power consumed from the grid, if the affected factories were allowed to work during power cut period and the power fed into the grid by the windmills served by the same feeders during that time, the saving in power would not be much and TNEB should not be sending any wrong signals to the wind power generating companies at a time of crisis.

TNEB’s decision is based on the premise that all consumers should be treated equal. Any power supply from the windmills to the grid during the duration of power cut would benefit industrial units that might be linked to the same feeder providing them an advantage over other units that might have power supply cut off at that time.

Project monitor reported that Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board will take up a proposal with the chief secretary of the Tamil Nadu government for city gas network distribution networks in 6 cities of the southern state.

Mr L Mansingh chairman of PNGRB said that revealing this at the round table conference organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry on city or local natural gas distribution networks authorization in Chennai recently, he added that expression of interest had been filed by Reliance Industries Limited to set up city gas distribution networks in Chennai, Madurai, Salem, Coimbatore, Trichy and Tuticorin.

Mr Mansingh said that RIL is among several expressing interest for these projects. As soon as the government approves the project, the bidding dates would be announced and entities can submit their applications, adding the winning bidders would be allowed to set up, operate and expand the CGD network in the 6 cities.

According to the report, the regulations related to authorization of an entity to lay, build, operate or expand the local CGD network provide for a selection of an entity through open bidding process.

It is reported that ropeway project between Janki Chatti to Yamunotri has received clearance from the MoEF on September 8th 2008. Yamunotri Project Company an SPV floated by Uttarakhand Infrastructure Projects Co will be inviting tenders from contractors on PPP basis by October end 2008.

The project estimated to cost INR 28.01 crore comprises the construction of a lower terminal station at Kharsali village and upper terminal at Yamunotri. It will also involve construction of 16 line towers along the ropeway alignment.

As per report, the total land required for the project is 77,147 square meters of which the lower terminal will spread on 17,532 square meters and will include a terminal building, 20 dormitories, parking area, restaurant etc. The upper terminal covering 8,000 square meters will include terminal building, tented accommodation, restaurant and septic tank.

The report added that the water demand for the project is expected to be 95 KLD which will be sourced from Uttarakhand Jal Sansthan while 250 KW power required will be sourced from State Electricity Board.

Project monitor reported that Karnataka has received encouraging response from contractors for its maiden attempt at creating large grid connected solar power capacity in the state.

As per report through state government Generation Company, Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd, the southern state has planned to develop two grid connected solar power plants of 3 MW each in the Kolar and Belgaum districts.

Mr S Ramesh chief engineer of KPCL said that over 15 contractors had requested for the bid documents. Prominent names included Larsen & Toubro Limited, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, TATA BP Solar and Moser Baer India Limited. The letter of acceptance will be handed over to the successful contractor by October end. He said that “We intend to construct the projects within nine months of handing over of LoA.”

Mr Ramesh said that land measuring around 15 acres apiece has already been identified at Yelsandra in Kolar district and Itnal in Belgaum district. Land acquisition is under way. The capital cost for solar power projects is an estimated INR 20 crore per MW, while generation cost is around INR 15 per KWH.

KPCL has termed these as demonstration projects that would nevertheless feed the state grid. Interestingly, the state government company does not intend to seek generation based incentives from the ministry for new and renewable energy under the incentive scheme announced earlier this year.

Reuters reported that TATA Consultancy Services India's top software services exporter is interested in Siemens' IT Solutions and Services unit.

Talks between the two companies would begin next week in Munich where Siemens is based, Germany's Boersen-Zeitung said without saying where it obtained the information from.

Siemens is in the midst of a major overhaul and regrouped its divisions into three main sectors to benefit from global growth trends energy, industry and health care at the beginning of this year. According to Siemens sources, Mr Peter Loescher CEO of Siemens was considering the divestment of SIS's external business.

Indian outsourcing firms like TATA Consultancy Services and rival Infosys Technologies are expanding in Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America to cut dependence on the US market which accounts for more than half the sector's revenue.

Indian software services firm HCL Technologies launched a rival bid for Britain's Axon Group Plc for which Infosys is also bidding, sending Axon's share up sharply in on hopes of a bid battle.

It reported that Essar Oil will triple its Vadinar refinery capacity to 34 million tonnes per annum by end 2010. The proposed 10.5 million tonnes per annum refinery in Gujarat is currently operating at 12.5 million tonnes per annum capacity.

The company plans to raise this refining capacity to 16 million tonnes per annum by June 2010 and will put an additional plant of 18 million tonnes per annum capacity by December 2010.

As per report, the company is investing INR 3,200 crore in raising Vadinar capacity to 16 million tonnes per annum and another INR 6,000 crore in the brown field expansion project.

Reuters reported that Indonesia's imports of steel products could jump about six fold in 2008 on tight local production and as steelmakers build up stocks to guard against price hikes.

Mr Anshari Bukhari director general of metals, machinery, textile and miscellaneous industries said that imports of semi finished steel products including slab and billets reached 6 million tonnes in the first six months of 2008 as compared with annual imports of around 2 million tonnes previously. Hew added that "Steel imports in the second semester could match the first semester. Demand is jumping because steelmakers expect prices to continue their uptrend on strong demand."

Rocketing costs of raw materials for steel making, such as iron ore and coking coal, have boosted steel prices around the globe since the start of the year. Prices have, however, fallen back more recently on weaker demand and global financial turmoil.

Mr I Putu Suryawirawan director of metal industries at the steel ministry said that imports of steel products from Indonesian steelmakers have also jumped because there has been very little additional production capacity installed in the past 10 years. He added that "New investments or additional capacity from Krakatau Steel would enter the market by 2010 at the earliest."

Mr Fazwar Bujang president director of PT Krakatau Steel said that Indonesia's largest steel maker planned to spend over USD 1.5 billion on expansion, partly funded by an initial public offering. He added that Krakatau Steel's investment plans were intended to improve efficiency and capacity, and reduce its reliance on imports of semi finished products.

South Carolina commerce department said that Monaca based Horsehead Corporation is planning to locate a USD 87 million zinc recycling facility in Barnwell County, which will provide 65 new jobs.

Horsehead has a contract to recycle dust generated during melting of scrap materials from Nucor Steel's three facilities in North and South Carolina.

Horsehead produces zinc and zinc based products that are used in galvanized steel products, tires, alkaline batteries, paint, chemicals and pharmaceuticals.

Vietnam News Agency reported that two steel complex projects in Vietnam, with the total capacity of 30 million tones, have been licensed to the investors have no experience in metallurgy. Neither of the two is among the world’s top 20 metallurgy groups, but they are investing in the two biggest steel complexes in Vietnam.

The project on the steel complex capitalized at USD 7.9 billion by Taiwan’s Formosa Group has been licensed by the Vung Ang Economic Zone Management Board. The project covers an area of 3,000 hectares of land and water surface in Vung Ang Economic Zone, comprising a cast iron steel complex and Son Duong deep water port. The complex is designed to have the capacity of 15 million tonnes a year, 7.5 million tonnes in the first stage and another 7.5 million in the second.

Formosa is a Taiwanese heavy industry group, specializing in petrochemistry and plastics. Significantly, it has never made investment in steel.

On September 19th 2008, the JV of Malaysia’s Lion Group and Vietnam’s Vinashin got a license for the USD 9.8 billion Ca Na steel complex in Ninh Thuan province. The project is expected to cover an area of 1,650 hectares of land and 300 hectares of water surface and once operational, the complex will be able to churn out around 14.42 million tonnes a year.

Maju stabil Sdn Bhd, a member of Lion Diversified Holding Berhard, the partner in the joint venture that runs Ca Na steel complex, is similarly no reputed name in steel production.

According to Vietnam Steel Association, very few steel complexes with the capacity of 15 million tonnes and higher have been built in the last 10 years.bMr Pham Chi Cuong chairman of the Vietnam Steel Association said that Vietnam should follow Thailand’s method. The country invites at least 5 leading metallurgy groups in the world to draw up projects and then it chooses the most suitable projects. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the investments are chosen by local authorities.

ArcelorMittal said that a second worker had died after being injured during an incident at one of its plants in South Africa.

The worker died of gas inhalation, bringing the death toll to two from the incident earlier this week at its Saldanha plant in the Western Cape Province.

Ms Nonkululeko Nyembezi Heita CEO of ArcelorMittal South Africa said that "The accident occurred despite our considerable efforts to improve management of safety at our operations. Safety remains our number one priority and we are absolutely committed to our quest of achieving zero fatalities at the company."

Investigations on the incident are already under way, but the company had said that the plant was operational. The deaths are the first recorded at the group this year.

It is reported that the success in securing an investment license to set up a USD 9.8 billion steel mill will boost Lion Industries Corp’s competitiveness in Vietnam.

OSK Research said having obtained the investment license ahead of other major international steel manufacturers, such as POSCO, would give Lion Industries a head start in the competition in Vietnam’s steel industry.

Given the expanding economy and huge population in Vietnam, OSK Research expected good potential demand for steel in the country. It said that "Its geographical location along the coast facing the South China Sea also gives the country an edge in the import of raw material and the export of finished steel."

However, OSK Research said the details on the investment remained sketchy and it may take some time to be implemented. Thus, it did not make any forecast on the potential earnings from the investment.

The steel mill will be located at the south central province of Ninh Thuan. It is expected to have an annual crude steel capacity of 14.4 million tonnes per year. Investment in the first phase is estimated at USD 2.75 billion and the whole project will be completed by 2025.

India is large market for import of steel scrap and this is the directory which is going to help many interested group to know this industry.

Published in September 2008, 'Directory of Scrap Suppliers to India' has been comprehensively researched and prepared, to bring you a fully up to date guide to overseas scrap supplier.

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Content:
This report covers name and product details of 1191 overseas scrap suppliers to India in alphabetical as well as location wise order. Look at the information you'll get in the 'Directory of Scrap Suppliers to India'

• Company name -1191 entries
• Address-1191 entries
• Email-1074
• Phone number-1140
• Fax number -431 entries

Format:
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One can have an idea about the importance of the construction industry in India from the fact that it is the second largest contributor to the GDP after agriculture. The industry provides employment to more than 3% of the population. Its market size is around USD 55 billion and is growing at around 7% to 8% per annually, faster than the GDP growth. As the Construction sector is growing faster than the country’s project GDP growth, there exist a tremendous potential for development in the related area.

“Directory of Construction Companies in India” is one of the top sources of information available on a construction companies in India. It is one of the most comprehensive and accurate directory of construction companies in India that ever published. This powerful directory is your connection to the entire construction companies in India.

Published in August 2008, “Directory of Construction Companies in India” has been comprehensively researched and prepared, to bring you a fully up to date guide to Indian Construction companies.

Whether you are a product manager, in charge of marketing, raw material seller, in equipment business or simply interested to remain in touch with the latest developments in the construction companies in India, this directory will save you time and effort in finding the information you need. This report will enable you to profile construction companies in India, build new business prospects, generate new customers, discover who your competitors are and make vital contacts. You would save the time, money and effort of doing your own research. This directory has been especially compiled to assist with market research, strategic planning, as well as contacting prospective clients or suppliers. It is also an indispensable guide to India’s construction sector.

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This report covers name and product details of 1000 Construction Companies in India in alphabetical as well as location wise order. Look at the information you'll get in the 'Directory of Construction Companies in India’
1. Company name -1000 entries
2. Address-1000 entries
3. Phone number-951
4. Fax number -652 entries
5. Mobile number-349
6. Email -749 entries
7. URL – 593

Format - PDF File (Total no of pages – 545), delivery by Email on receipt of payment of USD 950 or equivalent in INR. Additional charges would be levied for delivery of file on a CD or in printed form

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Ordering the report is simple. You can order your copy to reports@steelguru.com for gettimç an invoice for the report.

'Directory of Refractory Makers in India' in India is one of the top sources of information available on a refractory makers in India. It is one of the most comprehensive and accurate directory of refractory makers in India that ever published. This powerful directory is your connection to the entire refractory companies in India.

The News cited Mr Zaigham Rizvi director projects of Tuwairqi Steel Mills Limited as saying that International steel markets seem to be stable for now and the steel prices have logically declined from the abnormal highs.

Mr Rizvi said The News from Dammam over phone that at present international steel prices are reverting to their normal position which had abnormally surged to unprecedented levels. International prices of billets used in making mild bars have come down to USD 560 from USD 1100 in last some weeks.

Mr Aijaz M Sulehri manager sales south of Mabani Steel, manufacturers of pre engineered building material, said that world steel markets are linked with international oil markets and facing fluctuations. The local markets may see the impact of decline in global steel rates in near future. However, we should also bear in mind that international steel prices had surged up by 35% prior to this decline.

He said that there has been a construction slump in Pakistan during the last some months due to economic slowdown, rupees depreciation and dwindling bourses all have played a significant role in bringing down constructions. Only the government-sponsored projects are running whereas private sector faces complete halt these days.

He added that government should reconsider the duty structures like of 25% custom duties and 6% of income tax to support construction activities in country. Due to low construction activities in the country the demand of mild bars is low which has compelled the re rolling steel mills to reduce their production and in some cases many were closed down in Karachi.

Re rolling mills said that there is enough production but buyers are nowhere in the markets as they are waiting for further decline in steel prices on local markets. Mr Shamoon Baqar Ali President of Karachi Iron and Steel Merchants Association said that due to the declining steel prices in local markets good times are ahead for consumers.

Turkish Daily News reported that the recession experienced by the constructions industry is beginning to affect its sub sectors. Ready mixed concrete sales deteriorate 30% to 35% while iron and steel production declines 12% and the export sector is unable to provide the solution.

The trend of growth in the construction industry seems to be coming to an end. Affected by recession all its related sectors including iron, steel, ready mix concrete and ceramics, began to show signs of the slowdown. Many sub industries of the construction sector have started downsizing due to the contraction in the domestic market as well as fluctuations in global markets.

Cement one of the affected sectors downsized by 1% during the H1 of the year due to the contraction of the domestic market. During the period, the sector has reached out for exports as a way out of the contraction in the local market. However, the deepening global crisis has become a major threat for sector players who have been considering exports as the only way to overcome the obstacles in the domestic market.

Mr Adnan Ignebekcili president of the Turkey's Cement Producers Association said that cement exports increased 80% to reach 7 million tonnes during the H1 of the year. He said that “However the dynamism of the exports has been threatened by the distress in the Russian market. Meanwhile the global financial crisis has been deepening and it looks like it will eventually affect all developed and emerging markets. A serious decline in demand is being seen in the export market.”

Mr Ferruh Karakule secretary general of the Turkey's Ready Mix Concrete Association or THBB said that “The ready mix concrete sector saw sales of 74.5 million cubic meters in 2007. However sales in the sector have declined 30% to 35% during the H1 of the year. Many companies operating in the ready mix concrete sector were bearing losses due to the recession in the construction industry. Trying to survive and be able to make their payments in this not so rosy period, many firms are selling their products at a production cost or even at a loss. Some 400 companies operate in the sector and 35 to 40 of them changed hands, while five had to close down.””

The iron and steel sector also suffers form the contraction in the domestic market. Production in the sector declined 12% during the first 6 months of the year before the sector turned to exports in hope of making ends meet. Iron and steel exports increased 150% in August. The sector will end September with an export increase of 240%.

Mr Veysel Yayan secretary general of the Turkish Iron and Steel Producers Association or DÇÜD said that “The global crisis may cause distress to exports. The high priced contracts, signed during the first half of the year are about to expire. After that happens, we expect a value and quantity decline in our exports.”

The reported added that the construction sector in the country managed to grow only 0.9% during the H1 of the year. The number of construction permits received from municipalities declined 10.2%. Apartment complex constructions also dropped 11.4% during the same period.

According to Turkish Statistical Institute or TÜİK, applications for the construction permits have also dropped. Only 50,565 building construction permits have been attained. Last year that figure stood at 56,389.

The News cited Mr Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani PM of Pakistan as saying that Pakistan Steel Mills will be taken off from the list of concerns to be privatized where after its expansion program will be initiated. The premier stated this while talking to a delegation of Pakistan Steel Mills here at State Guest House.

Mr Gilani said that “PS holds great significance in Pakistan’s economy and the present government instead of selling this national asset will work towards enhancing its production capacity.”

Mr Shamshad Qureshi chairman of CBA told Geo News that the prime minister on the occasion assured to regularize the services of contractual employees besides allowing them other benefits including pension and medical cover.

WA Business News reported that Perth based steel building products company JV Global Limited has entered into an agreement with two UAE investors to form a JV company to service the Middle East and North Africa regions.

JV Global Limited announced that it has entered into a MoU with Mr Ali Rahma and Mr Jonathan Green both parties being residents in the United Arab Emirates with interests in the real estate sector within the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East.

The MoU is for the parties to form a JV company for the purpose of establishing light gauge steel framing production facilities within the MENA region. Under the Terms and Conditions of the MoU JV Global Limited will hold a 40% shareholding in the new JV company. The business model will encompass Build, Operate and Transfer in conjunction with the establishment of the production facilities.

The JV Company will be the holding company for future JV in one or more of the following countries are Morocco, Libya, Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Palestine, Sudan, UAE, Yemen, Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain. Kuwait, Iraq and Iran.

Additional partners including developers, investors and Governments may be requested to participate in additional JV at a country level with the agreement of the Board of Directors.

The JV Company will be structured in a way that the exit strategy for the shareholders will be an Initial Public Offering in either the United Kingdom or any other market that meets the strategy.

Further significant announcements pertaining to this matter will be made over the coming months.

Structural steel specialist Panceltica has quadrupled turnover in the six months to June 30th 2008 and said it will become a billion pound company in three years.

Turnover at the Qatar based company, which defied the downturn to float on the alternative investment market in March this year, rose from USD 31 million to USD 156.3 million. After one off costs of USD 41.5 million associated with the flotation, it made a pre tax loss of USD 19.8 million over the year.

Mr Paul Fraser CEO of Panceltica said that “The Saudis need 4 million houses and that’s still a conservative estimate.”

He added that Panceltica is working with Miller Group in the Middle East and Fraser said he was in talks with other UK firms in the region. He said that “Pick any big UK company in the Middle East and we’re talking to them.”

Mr Fraser also said that he was looking to move into other countries, including Brazil and India.

The group’s main activity is building galvanized steel houses in the Middle East and it recently signed a deal with Saudi Arabia worth about USD 2 billion.

Qatar recorded the fastest growth in Foreign Direct Investment last year in the MENA region, which at USD 1.1 billion was more than seven times larger than its 2006 total.

According to the UN Conference on Trade and Development's latest “World Investment Report”, the GCC garnered more than half of the MENA region's FDI inflows last year. The MENA total was USD 82.6 billion up a mere one percent from the 2006 figure. FDI inflows to the GCC grew by 20% to USD 43 billion 2007.

The MENA region's leading FDI recipient was Saudi Arabia, followed by the UAE and Egypt. Intra regional FDI continued to benefit from the robust petroleum earnings of MENA's oil exporters in particular Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The inflow of FDI to the overall Middle East rose to USD 60.2 billion up by 13% from USD 59 billion in 2006. However, FDI in Bahrain, Jordan, and Yemen decreased in 2007 after robust growth the previous year.

On a sectoral basis, substantial FDI was channelled into petroleum, real estate, services and commodity related investment projects in 2007. The huge number of infrastructure and construction projects in the region sparked additional investments aimed at expanding cement and steel production. The financial, tourism, and telecommunication sectors also continued to attract strong FDI flows.

The MENA region will have attracted strong FDI flows at the end of this year, given the many investment projects underway throughout the region. However, a variety of domestic (rising costs, shortages) and external (slowing global growth, global credit crunch) factors are increasingly affecting investment decisions, and will likely lead to a moderation in FDI to the MENA region in 2009.

The GCC garnered more than half of MENA's overall FDI inflows, which were channelled into the bloc's numerous industrial and infrastructure projects. FDI inflows to the GCC grew by 20% to USD 43 billion in 2007. GCC states have implemented massive development plans in both the petroleum and non petroleum sectors that have provided greater investment opportunities for the both the private sector and foreign investors.

MEED reported that the liquidity crisis engulfing the global money markets has triggered a collapse in the region's project finance sector with the number of banks actively pursuing deals plummeting in recent months.

Industry sources said that just 12 firms are actively seeking deals as dollar liquidity dries up and the appetite for long term funding diminishes down from more than 45 two years ago.

Both regional and international banks are increasingly risk averse as international financial markets seize up in the wake of the collapse of US investment bank Lehman Brothers and the nationalization of insurance firm American International Group.

The situation marks a dramatic turnaround for the region. As recently as 2006, 45 banks were involved in the 20 largest deals. The situation is in marked contrast to what was happening 18 months ago when the number of banks eager to get in on deals in the Middle East was so large that they were bidding prices down to as low as 50 basis points above the London interbank offered rate. Any deals that do manage to gain bank support now are expected to cost sponsors at least 150 basis points over Libor.

As per report, 3 month dollar interbank lending rates were at 3.21% on September 23rd well above the 2% US Federal Reserve target rate indicating how expensive it is becoming for banks to source dollars to fund projects.

Among the banks that are still seeking to finance projects in the region are international players such as the HSBC and BNP Paribas and regional banks such as National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Arab Bank. Smaller international banks such as BayernLB and Standard Chartered remain committed to financing projects in the region, but are finding it increasingly difficult to fund long term dollar denominated debt.

According to Mr Kursad Tuzmen state minister of Turkey, Turkey's exports had climbed up by USD 100 billion in the first 9 months of 2008.

Mr Tuzmen said that “The increase in our exports currently stands at 36% which is a success in a global scale.”

He said that iron and steel products were on the top of the list of exported goods even leaving behind the ready wear.

Turkish exports exceeded 132 billion USD over the last 12 months.

It is reported that steel exports in Guangdong rose by 20.4% YoY to 294,000 tonnes in August and average prices beat an all time high with a 47.1% hike to USD 1137 per tonne. What is worth attention is that steel products exported to ASEAN and EU are almost doubled.

The export big growth may well be explained by the still wide price gap between the global and home markets and also the strong expectation of export tax rebate for some varieties in days to come. This enthusiasm will remain and the steel export market will keep robust in near future, according to the source from the customs.

There are some concerns from the customs that China is likely to suffer increasing trade frictions when experiencing a slower home demand and growing export passion. Apart from the America's levy of anti-subsidy duty of standard steel tube from China in the near past, EU, Russia, Ukraine and Mexico have already asked for anti-dumping and anti-subsidy investigation against Chinese steel products.

(Source: Guangzhou Daily)

Xinhua reported that Mr Chen Deming Chinese Minister of Commerce and Mr Peter Mandelson European Union trade commissioner kicked off the 23rd China-EU Mixed Committee on Trade and Economic Cooperation here and reached consensus on a wide array of topics.

According to the Ministry of Commerce both sides agreed to quicken the negotiation process of the Intellectual Property Rights Customs Enforcement Action Plan. It said that they would input EUR 73.8 million this year to launch the Development Cooperation Plan to support bilateral environmental protection, energy, climate change and human resources development and other projects.

Mr Chen said "China is willing to join hands with the EU to further tap cooperation potential to lay a solid economic foundation for the all-around bilateral strategic partnership. He said that to enhance bilateral cooperation would play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth development of the world economy.

Mr Mandelson said the world economy was facing up with challenges and the financial turmoil was sweeping across the world. Both sides should cherish the inter-dependent bilateral trade and economic ties, stick to opening up and cooperation policy and jointly deal with challenges.

China Knowledge cited Mr Xu Lejiang president of Baosteel Group Corp as saying that China's crude steel output in 2008 may fall below 500 million tonnes dragged down by the domestic demand decline.

He said that the demand of iron and steel has slowed down with decline in orders, adding the current market condition has squeezed the profitability of the iron and steel industry.

He said that mergers & acquisitions are the strategic option for the industry, which will enhance the bargaining power of domestic iron and steel enterprises in both the upstream and downstream sectors.

According to the China Iron and Steel Association, China's steel demand growth rose 6% last month, down from the 13% gain in the first seven months from a year earlier. The slowdown mainly resulted from decreasing auto sales as well as the country's economic expansion.

It is reported that Hebei Iron and Steel Group Handan Steel shut down its last ordinary wire rod production line that has been operating for 28 years a move that will allow the mill to raise its premium sheet ratio to 83%.

As per report, Handan Steel also builds a lot of world’s leading production lines such as a 1.3 million tones per year CR sheet production line and two 120,000 tonnes per year color coating production lines. The mill now can produce hot rolled sheet, cold rolled sheet, color coating sheet and medium plate.

It is reported that Sichuan Province is ambitious to eliminate 192 enterprises with outdated capacities and equipments in this year to promote industrial structure adjustment and optimization. The province has signed written commitments yesterday with local governments.

The capacities blacklisted include 3.55 million tons of cement, 300,000 tons of iron, 90,000 tons of steel, 80,000 tons of ferroalloy, 1.94 million tonnes of coal and so on. The move will make a 38% contribution to the province's annual energy saving target.

The province has hammered out a series of policies earlier on September 24 and urged government departments and banks to support the campaign.

(Source: Sichuan Daily)

It is reported that color coated sheet import from different countries during January to August 2008 total 183,841tonnes with South Korea standing at the top

(In tonnes)

(Sourced from MySteel.net

It is reported that South China based steelmakers gathered in Nanchang September 24th, participating in the 24th meeting undertaken by Nanchang Steel on raw materials purchase exchange.

Over 20 units attended the meeting, incl. Shaoguan Steel, Guangzhou Steel, Xiangtan Steel, Lianyuan Steel, Hengyang Steel Pipe, Lengshuijiang Steel, Ezhou Steel, New Yegang, Sangang, Liuzhou Steel, Shuigang, Panzhihua Steel, Pinggang, Xinyu Steel and Mysteel etc.

The attendees shared info or views on the inventory and demand of the materials, market situation, future prognosis as well as materials purchasing strategy. They came to terms that steelmakers should reinforce cooperation in adjusting the regional materials purchase prices amid the volatile market, and that the regular communication through fax on each Thursday be resumed.

It's suggested the steel mills should increase coal purchase in local and reduce buying from large bureau of mines so as to pass on the cost hike to the upper stream enterprises.

As predicted, some downward room remains for the domestic iron ore, and the steelmakers should push down the purchase price by CNY 50 per tonne to CNY 100 per tonne.

The meeting said the 25th purchase info exchange will be taken on by Shuigang.

(Sourced from MySteel.net)

It is reported that scrap steel market in Hebei area runs quiet with slim deals closed recently, and further price decline is widely expected at the later stage amid slipping market.

Some plants, like Handan Steel, Tangshan Steel and so on, have decided to suspend purchase of steel scrap, while lots of small plants stops buying now, which leads to a shrinking demand for steel scrap. Meanwhile, lots of suppliers are delaying purchase and supply with a wait and see attitude, as a result, available resources in the market declines rapidly, and both demand and supply moves downward.

Currently, HMS 1 price of Tianjin Pipe stays at CNY 3420 per tonne by acceptance and HMS 2 at CNY 3360 per tonne. Shougang heavy melting scrap is priced at CNY 3430 per tonne, medium scrap at CNY 3380 per tonne and light scrap at CNY 3290 per tonne. Xingtai Steel quoted HMS at CNY 3500 per tonne.

(Sourced from MySteel.net)

It is reported that pig iron export to different countries during January to August 2008 total 224,628 tonnes with Japan standing at the top.

(In tonnes)

(Sourced from MySteel.net)

It is reported that the steel cutting ceremony on COOEC's new 4,000 tonne heavy lift deepwater construction vessel was officially held at Jiangsu Rongsheng shipyard in Nantong, Jiangsu Province.

The derrick pipe layer to be named Mr Hai Yang Shi You 201 will boast a capacity of laying up to five kilometers of pipelines a day in addition to a heavy lift capacity of 4,000 tonne. The vessel will also be equipped to operate in up to 3,000 meters of water.

Engineering work on the vessel first began in the second quarter of this year. Delivery is now scheduled for the first half of 2010.

XFN-Asia quoted National Bureau of Statistics said profits of industrial firms in China rose 19.4 pct year-on-year to CNY 1.8685 trillion in the first eight months of the year.

The NBS said profits of state owned and state-controlled firms rose 0.7% YoY to CNY 677 billion in the first eight months, while profits of collective entities rose 36% to 50.2 billion. Profits of joint stock enterprises were up by 25.9 to CNY 1.0515 trillion while profits of private firms rose 48.6% to 389.2 billion. Profits of foreign-funded enterprises, including those from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau, gained 14.3% to CNY 499.3 billion.

The profit figures reflect the fact that many companies are included in more than one category. Combined revenue rose 29% to CNY 31.6454 trillion with taxes paid by industrial firms up 26.7% to 1.3296 trillion.

The NBS said profits in the coal sector during the period rose 142.8% from a year earlier, while the oil and natural gas exploration industry saw profits climb 54.7%. Profits of non-ferrous metals companies fell 7.4% while profits of steel firms rose 31.5%. Profits in the chemical industry rose 32.0% while electric power firms' profits fell 81.6%. The oil processing and coking sectors lost a combined CNY 96.1 billion compared with a net profit of 32.3 billion a year earlier.

It is reported that China’s coated steel price kept decreasing last week.

As per report, due to the continuous decreasing demand and mill’s cutting price, price of coated steel in China may keep falling down in near future.

In Suzhou market, Bensteel’s galvanized steel coil price for 0.5mm thickness was quoted at CNY 6,450 per tonne on average, reduced by CNY 50 per tonne from days before.

Price of pre-painted galvanized steel with thickness of 0.42mm was being offered at CNY 7,700 per tonne down by CNY 50 per tonne from days before as well. In Hangzhou market, coated steel price decreased obviously.

It is reported that China scrap steel product import from different countries during January to August 2008 total 2,008,875 tonnes with Hong Kong at the top.

(In tonnes)

(Sourced from MySteel.net)

It is reported that the first oil refinery of China National Offshore Oil Corp located in Huizhou of Guangdong province, South China is reportedly to postpone its date of operation by at least two months to the end of this year.

The original scheduled date of commercial operation is in October.

As per report, the construction work of the refinery is said to be finished by the end of September.

The Huizhou refinery has a designed annual production capacity of 12 million tonnes or about 240,000 barrels per day.

It is reported that ThyssenKrupp Elevator is demonstrating its technological know how in Russia and Ukraine. It has won a contract to supply a total of ten TWIN systems, 19 conventional elevators and three escalators for the new Mercury City Tower in Moscow.

The 380 meter tall multifunctional building is part of the new Moscow City district and will offer residential, office, retail and leisure space. The TWINs will transport passengers to a height of 185 meters at speeds of up to 7 meters per second. A total of 15 high rises are being built in the new district of the Russian capital, including the Moscow Federation Tower, which will also be equipped among other things with 22 TWIN elevators from ThyssenKrupp Elevator.

ThyssenKrupp Elevator is supplying a total of 14 TWIN systems with 28 cabs as well as twelve conventional elevators for the new Mirax Plaza in the Ukrainian capital Kiev. The two-tower complex with residential, retail and office units will be the country’s tallest building at 192 meters when completed. The elevators will have a maximum rise of 182 meters and serve up to 45 stops. The top speed for the TWIN cabs is six meters per second. Completion of tower A is scheduled for the end of 2009.

Also, ThyssenKrupp Elevator is to exclusively supply 41 elevators, 54 escalators and 38 moving walks