Egypt will offer 12 new cement production licences as it aims to boost cement output by 40 percent to 80 million tonnes by 2015, the cabinet said on Monday.

"Demand is increasing by 8 percent a year," Cabinet spokesman Magdy Rady said. "It is expected that demand will reach 77 million tonnes in 2015," he said, without giving further details on the licences.

Egypt's construction industry has grown even as it stalled elsewhere in the region. Cement demand rose 25 percent last year, driven largely by the housing needs of a growing population and a cash-fuelled economy.

The government had said earlier it would issue eight to 12 licences before the end of the year, but had said the government may not be able to supply energy to firms that obtain the licences. - Reuters