In the context of a rapidly changing world scenario, seen against globalization and technological developments, cooperation among nations is becoming all the more the order of the day. This has given further impetus to increased cooperation among nations, particularly those sharing historical links. India has been one such nation that has had strong links with the Arab world from time immemorial because of geographic proximity, mediated by trade of its highly desired crafts, such as textiles, but also commodities and spices. Present day India, with its technological advances, rich natural resources and trained manpower, fits well into the destiny of the Kingdom, which is a fast developing economy booming with construction activities, modernization and privatization. Our association with an Indian company and Indian nationals has given us a further glimpse of what is India.
It is apt that Arab News is publishing a Special Supplement to mark India’s 57th Republic Day, with particular significance due to the ongoing visit to India of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah.
Yanbu Cement Company (YCC) manufactures and supplies a wide range of cement products and is a pioneer in manufacturing PPC and SRC in Saudi Arabia. YCC is a name synonymous to quality, product diversity and customer orientation in Saudi Arabia’s cement market. It has to its credit prestigious certifications for systems and product quality, such as ISO 9001: 2000, BENOR certificate and CE markings and is in export listing to Europe.
Established in 1977, YCC started its operations in 1979 with the commissioning of two of its dry-process kilns each of 1,500 tons per day (tpd) at Ras Baridi near Yanbu on the west coast followed by third kiln with a capacity of 1,000 tpd in 1982, raising the plant capacity to 1.2 million tons per year. The capacity was further enhanced to 3.3 million tons per annum in 1997 with the commissioning of yet another kiln of 7,000 tpd capacity, the second largest of its kind then in the world. This kiln has further been upgraded to 8,500 tpd level with potential of 9,500 tpd. The plant was installed and commissioned by the reputable German company KHD Humboltd Wedag Ag.
The plant has a fully furnished residential complex with all modern amenities supported by power plants and desalination units. YCC also has a full-fledged training center with all modern facilities to cater to needs of not only cement companies of Kingdom but also from other Arab cement companies offering courses under the auspices of the Arab Union for Cement & Building Materials.
Due to the remote location of the plant at Ras Baridi, 60 km north of Yanbu, and since the startup of the company, the operation and maintenance of the plant had been assigned to an Indian company — the Associated Cement Companies Ltd. (ACC) — with contractual obligations to fulfill company’s targets of production, productivity, quality, training of Saudis and exchange of technical know-how. The association, which is more than 25 years old now, has proved fruitful and mutually beneficial.
The long interaction with our service associate Indian company and its people coupled with visits to India has given us the opportunity of understanding India and Indians in a much better way. We find Indian companies very helpful and enterprising and ready to take up challenges. Their technical competence especially in the field of cement technology is no less than the other leading European companies. Their pricing of services is also quite competitive internationally.
Regarding Indian people, I have noted that the technical personnel have a high degree of competence, confidence and knowledge. The skilled category of technicians is very productive, competent, hardworking and dependable. Indians demonstrate high degree of adaptability and adjust well with their Saudi colleagues. Their proficiency in English and knowledge of Arabic is an added advantage. They respect the laws of the country.
I had the opportunity of visiting India on more than a couple of occasions and in fact one can never tire of visiting India. As is well known, India is a vast and diverse country and has much to offer on the tourism front. In particular, my visits to Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir in the foothills of Himalayas, Rajasthan in the northwest India and Kerala in the south are memorable. I am deeply impressed by the natural beauty of the sites in the Himalayan region, and was enthralled by the landscape of Kerala. Rajasthan has some of the most beautiful architectural buildings and its glorious historical past reflected in the towering forts and edifices are truly a tourist attraction. The Taj Mahal in Agra did indeed reflect the eighth wonder of the world that it has been named as.
The arts and crafts of India are as diverse as the people of India, some of which are much preferred in the Kingdom. Climatically too, visiting India is a preferred destination. India has much to offer on the cuisine front as well, which is of special attraction with wide range of exotic foods and the hospitality is truly overwhelming.
As a current member of the Okaz Publishing Organization and a previous board director of Okaz and editor in chief of The Saudi Gazette English language daily in the early 1980s, I had the opportunity to visit India at the invitation of the Indian government. I had the privilege to meet Prime Minister Indira Gandhi at the Parliament House where I recall we had a lively and enjoyable discussion on world affairs and India’s role in the emerging economies.
My interactions with leading Indian distinguished personalities and members of the business community in the commercial capital of India, Bombay, were very interesting and highly rewarding. My fondest memories are those times I spent with the late Nani Palkhivala, a legendary person of India and a great personal friend, both at the Bombay House and at Nani’s private apartment.
I am sure, looking at the extensive industrialization of the country, especially so in the technology and manufacturing sectors, business cooperation with India for any country would be an advantage. I am convinced that Saudi Arabia can further improve its industrial cooperation with India and both countries would benefit.
(Dr. Saud M-S Islam is board member and director general of Yanbu Cement Company.)
