WCA Chief Urges Peace and Innovation to Tackle Cement Industry Woes

23 May 2025 CW Team

The General Assembly opened with welcome remarks from WCA Secretary General, Rong Yakun, followed by an address from WCA President Wei Rushan, President and Executive Director of China National Building Materials Co (CNBM).

In his speech, President Wei Rushan urged the global cement sector to embrace peace, rationality, innovation, and responsibility amid a turbulent geopolitical and economic landscape.

“In adversity, relentless innovation is the lifeline for our industry. We must evolve—reimagining not just our strategies and structures, but our very mindset,” said Mr Wei Rushan, President of the World Cement Association.

“The cement sector stands at a crossroads, facing geopolitical uncertainty, economic headwinds, and urgent environmental demands. Yet by embracing the spirit of inclusiveness, openness, sharing, and win-win cooperation, we can unite forward-thinking leaders and jointly forge a path toward a stronger, more sustainable future,” he continued.

Citing the impacts of global conflicts, overcapacity, and volatile demand, he emphasised that sustainable growth hinges on technological advancement, social responsibility, and collaborative transformation.

WCA Members were pleased to re-elect three Directors to the Board: Mohammed Ali Al-Garni, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Cement Co.; Matias Cardarelli, Chief Executive Officer of PPC; and Kevin Lunney, Chief Operations Officer at Mannok Holdings DAC. Each brings extensive industry experience and regional insight to the association, supporting its mission to drive global collaboration and innovation.

Looking into the future, Rong Yakun, the Secretary General emphasised that the WCA will continue to optimise member services, create more value for member enterprises, strengthen collaboration with international organisations, and continuously enhance the global influence of the industry.

The event concluded with a forward-looking presentation by Arnaud Pinatel and Yassine Touahri from On Field Investment Research LLP, titled 2025 Global Cement Scenario: Two Visions of the World.

The World Cement Association (WCA) has concluded its 8th General Assembly, held on May 16th in Hefei, China at the Steigenberger Icons Hotel. The hybrid event brought together representatives from WCA member organisations both in person and virtually to review the association’s achievements over the past year, approve key resolutions, and discuss plans for 2025 and beyond.The General Assembly opened with welcome remarks from WCA Secretary General, Rong Yakun, followed by an address from WCA President Wei Rushan, President and Executive Director of China National Building Materials Co (CNBM).In his speech, President Wei Rushan urged the global cement sector to embrace peace, rationality, innovation, and responsibility amid a turbulent geopolitical and economic landscape.“In adversity, relentless innovation is the lifeline for our industry. We must evolve—reimagining not just our strategies and structures, but our very mindset,” said Mr Wei Rushan, President of the World Cement Association. “The cement sector stands at a crossroads, facing geopolitical uncertainty, economic headwinds, and urgent environmental demands. Yet by embracing the spirit of inclusiveness, openness, sharing, and win-win cooperation, we can unite forward-thinking leaders and jointly forge a path toward a stronger, more sustainable future,” he continued.Citing the impacts of global conflicts, overcapacity, and volatile demand, he emphasised that sustainable growth hinges on technological advancement, social responsibility, and collaborative transformation.WCA Members were pleased to re-elect three Directors to the Board: Mohammed Ali Al-Garni, Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Cement Co.; Matias Cardarelli, Chief Executive Officer of PPC; and Kevin Lunney, Chief Operations Officer at Mannok Holdings DAC. Each brings extensive industry experience and regional insight to the association, supporting its mission to drive global collaboration and innovation.Looking into the future, Rong Yakun, the Secretary General emphasised that the WCA will continue to optimise member services, create more value for member enterprises, strengthen collaboration with international organisations, and continuously enhance the global influence of the industry. The event concluded with a forward-looking presentation by Arnaud Pinatel and Yassine Touahri from On Field Investment Research LLP, titled 2025 Global Cement Scenario: Two Visions of the World.

Infrastructure Transport

06 Feb 2026

Lucknow Metro East-West Corridor Consultancy Contract Awarded

The Uttar Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation has awarded the first construction-related consultancy contract for the Lucknow Metro East West Corridor to a joint venture of AYESA Ingenieria Arquitectura SAU and AYESA India Pvt Ltd. The firm was declared the lowest bidder for the Detailed Design Consultant contract for Lucknow Metro Line-2 under Phase 1B and the contract was recommended following the financial bid. The contract is valued at Rs 159.0 million (mn), covering design services for the corridor. Lucknow Metro Line-2 envisages the construction of an 11.165 kilometre corridor connecting Cha..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Div Com Kashmir Urges Fast Tracking Of Jhelum Water Transport Project

The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has called for the fast-tracking of the Jhelum water transport project, urging district administrations and relevant agencies to accelerate planning and clearances. In a meeting convened at the divisional headquarters, the commissioner instructed officials from irrigation, public health engineering and municipal departments to prioritise the project and coordinate survey and design work. The directive emphasised removal of administrative bottlenecks and close monitoring to ensure timely mobilisation of resources and contractors. Officials were told to in..

Infrastructure Urban

06 Feb 2026

Interarch Reports Strong Q3 And Nine Month Results

Interarch Building Solutions Limited reported unaudited results for the third quarter and nine months ended 31 December 2025, recording strong revenue growth driven by execution and a robust order book. Net revenue for the third quarter rose by 43.7 per cent to Rs 5.225 billion (bn), compared with Rs 3.636 bn a year earlier, reflecting heightened demand in pre-engineered building projects. The company’s total order book as at 31 January 2026 stood at Rs 16.85 bn, supporting near-term visibility. EBITDA excluding other income for the quarter increased by 43.2 per cent to Rs 503 million (mn),..