1.   Cement production in Israel currently is in the hands of a monopoly company, Nesher, which is owned by holding companies Koor Industries Ltd. and Clal Israel Ltd.

2.   Chile has almost no limestone, one of the raw materials used in cement production.

3.   In addition, the company is analyzing a two-step process for cement production.

4.   Steel and aluminum output was running at record levels, while cement production would reach an all-time high later this year, he said.

5.   Finance officials and economic managers have opposed the inclusion of cement production in the investment program.

6.   Hamou says cement production should double in the next few years.

7.   He said the company imported gypsum, an integral raw material in cement production, from Thailand.

8.   The Department of Finance and the National Economic and Development Authority have opposed the inclusion of cement production in the investment program.

9.   The cement production by the venture will be used to supply growing demand for cement in Malaysia and neighboring Asian countries, including Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan.

10.   Two activities that led to skirmishes among government agencies -cement production and car assembly - are included in the investment program.