YEREVAN, NOVEMBER 23, NOYAN TAPAN. The production volumes of Mika-Cement company grew by 20-25% this year as compared with last one and made 220-230 thousand tons. The plant's director general Naira Martirosian stated during the November 23 meeting with reporters that exports also grew by 25%, and it is envisaged to export 60% of production next year. Acccording to him, cement is exported to Georgia, Russia and Iran, there are plans to export it also to Spain. It was mentioned that some African countries have also expressed an intention to buy cement. In 2008, the plant will also supply cement for construction work in Sochi. N. Martirosian said that a 40% increase in cement prices is expected next year - only in case of export: the current price of 1 ton is 75-85 dollars. The price in the domestic market will remain the same: 33-36 thousand drams for a ton. According to her, the price of Armenian cement is 2,5 times lower than that of cement made in Europe. In the words of N. Martirosian, it is envisaged to finish the repair and re-equipment of the second conveyer of the plant in late 2008, for which 10-12 million euros will be spent. After the repairs, 700 thousand tons of cement will be produced a year. It was announced that the current amount of cement will be enough for Armenia for the next 100 years. Since 2001 when the plant was privatized, 15-20 million dollars has been invested. Last year the company paid 502 million drams to the state budget, while this year it paid 613 million drams.

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