Manila — The Cement Manufacturers Association of the Philippines (CeMAP) proudly welcomed the cement industry leaders and delegates from across Asia for the 2025 gathering of the 71st Asia Cement Producers Amity Club (ACPAC), held last week in Manila. Close to 90 delegates attended the event, which focused on promoting best practices and sustainability in the industry.
ACPAC, composed of member associations from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and the Philippines, serves as a collaborative platform for sharing innovation, market trends, addressing shared challenges to address climate change, and common concerns in the industry, and reinforcing long-term harmony within the region.
In his Opening Address, CeMAP Chairperson Roberto Martin Gerardo Javier underscored the importance of the conference as a space to listen, learn, and lead together. To hear and learn from what each is doing in their respective countries – what’s working, what’s evolving, and where to collaborate.
DENR Undersecretary Joselin Marcus Fragada welcomed the delegates and delivered the Keynote Address, emphasizing responsible mining and sustainable practices such as the use of alternative raw materials and alternative fuels to mitigate the impact of climate change.
71st ACPAC Conference Chair and CeMAP President John Reinier Dizon also welcomed the delegates and delivered the Philippines’ Country Report, which highlighted market demand drivers, new capacities in the country, and challenges faced by the industry, notably the continuing imports despite current overcapacity.
Majority of the ACPAC members are also facing a slowdown of demand in their markets and facing low utilization. In Indonesia, for instance, the government imposed a moratorium on launching new cement capacity projects to partially mitigate the market slowdown and low utilization. Taiwan shared that they were able to secure antidumping duties on Vietnam exports in its country. Thailand shared the highlights of its Net Zero roadmap and encouraged other countries to follow.
“As we face regional volatility in demand, climate responsibility, rising energy costs and urban growth, ACPAC’s collaborative spirit is more vital than ever”, said Dizon.
The Manila meeting concluded with the handover to next year’s host country, Taiwan. There is a renewed commitment from member countries to work toward shared climate goals and strengthen the economic role of cement in nation-building across Asia.
CeMAP extends its gratitude to all member associations and participants for making this year’s ACPAC conference a resounding success.
