Vice-Premier Zeng Peiyan yesterday said the government will continue to support technological innovation and co-operation in the cement industry, so as to speed up the sector's modernization and restructuring.

Speaking at the INTERCEM Asia conference - an important gathering for the cement industry in the Asia-Pacific region, which opened yesterday in Beijing, Zeng said China's cement sector has dramatically improved its technological level as its development has been fuelled by the country's rapid economic growth.

"In terms of production lines employing the new dry process and construction engineering service, China has basically reached the world's advanced level," Zeng told more than 500 participants from 50 countries and regions at the meeting.

Technological advancement will speed up the industry's restructuring, he said.

China has led the world in annual output of cement since 1985. But the backward vertical kiln cement production technology was used in 70 per cent of total cement output, which hit 725 million tons last year, according to industrial insiders.

Zeng said the use of the new dry process in cement production in China has substantially resolved the dust pollution problem, and is making the industry more environmentally friendly.

The vice-premier said the Chinese Government will lend continuous support to continued technological innovation and international co-operation in the industry.

Tan Zhongming, president of the China National Non-Metallic Materials Industry Corp, said at the meeting that the cement industrial restructuring also means opportunities for global cement investors.

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