KOSOVO - The European Times

KOSOVOTrade & IndustrySharrcemBuilding Kosovo’s futureSharrcem, Kosovo’s only cementproducer, is helping to build theKosovo of the future. The companyis operated by the Holcim Group,which is listed on the Swiss StockExchange and has operations in70 countries. Holcim signed a10 year lease, manage, operatecontract for Kosovo’s SharrCement Plant in 2000.Mario Grassl, CEO, explains thatSharrcem is Kosovo’s top supplierof cement and that the companyhas been growing steadily since itsinception eight years ago, keepingpace with the 3% to 5% annualgrowth of Kosovo’s constructionsector over that period. “TheKosovo construction market willcontinue to grow at these ratesin the future. Up to now, it hasbeen driven by demand for privatehousing and for new constructionfor private businesses. If public sectorconstruction spending increases,this will mean a tremendous boostfor Sharrcem’s sales in Kosovo,” heexplains. He adds that high unemploymentand the need for foreigndirect investment are hamperingthe government’s ability to invest ininfrastructure projects.Long-term commitmentSharrcem’s strategy is to aim forlong-term growth in Kosovo, and thecompany welcomes partnerships withEuropean companies and investors.“We would like to work with seriousbusiness partners who do not cometo Kosovo for a quick buck but whoare, like us, committed to Kosovoover the long term. Pivotal in ourlong-term focus is of course theextension of our 10 year agreement,”Mario Grassl explains.Challenges the company facesinclude the plant’s need for around€50-60 million in investments tocontinue improvement of theproduction facilities in order toexpand, and Kosovo’s need for areliable and adequate supply ofelectrical power. Mario Grassl notesthat he has seen improvements inthe electricity network over the pastthree years.Sharrcem aims to expand beyondKosovo to bring its products toregional markets. “We are lookingto widen our scope,” Mario GrasslMario Grassl, CEOsays. He adds that being part of theHolcim Group gives Sharrcem acompetitive edge.Mario Grassl urges Europeaninvestors to target Kosovo. He says,“The negative media image ofKosovo is inaccurate. Kosovo has alarge educated workforce of youngpeople who are eager to find jobs,and costs are low compared to otherEastern European countries, particularlyconcerning manufacturingof products for export. I would alsosay that creativity is quite high. I havehad only positive experiences withthe people here in Kosovo.”Sharr Beteiligungs GmbHLagja e punëtorëve p.n.71510 Hani i Elezit -KosovoTel.: +381 290 385 511Fax: +381 290 385 510www.sharrcem.com33