Construction glass shortage forecast for 2005

The country will need approximately 90 million sq. m. of construction glass by 2005 while the total annual capacity of glass factories is currently only 80 million sq. m., the MoC said, adding that the demand will rise further to 110 million sq. m. by 2006 and 150 million sq. m. four years later.The MoC blamed the future shortage on rapid increase in domestic demand and financial difficulties facing projects to build or expand glass factories.It also cited smuggling and trade frauds, which accounted for around 40 percent of last year’s total imports of 10.2 million sq. m., as factors hindering investment in glass production. - Enditem