A new Algerian-South African cement plant with a capacity of 2.2 million tonne/year is to be constructed soon, according to Abdelkrim Mansouri, Director General of the Algerian National Development Agency for Investment (NDAI). He said that all administrative procedures had been finalized and the initiators of this project would start the work of constructing the plant shortly. This project is being set up in partnership between Hodna Algerian Cement Company and leading South African cement producer PPC. Of the total cost of $287 million, 80 per cent will be financed by Algerian banks and 20 per cent by the two joint venture partners.