Toyota celebrates rare opening of Japan plant

Workers give the final check on Yaris compact sedans at the new plant in Ohira - AP PHOTO

OHIRA: Toyota celebrated the opening of an auto plant in a forsaken rural area of central Japan on Wednesday – its first new Japanese factory in 18 years that promises to grow into a significant production base for the world’s largest car maker.

Dotted with rice paddies and sometimes covered by snow, the Tohoku region where the new Toyota plant is located is the true boondocks of Japan.

Cement units seek 50pc subsidy on freight

KARACHI: Cement manufacturers have sought 50 per cent subsidy on the inland freight cost to boost cement export to more than $1 billion, industry sources said here on Wednesday. 
 
All Pakistan Cement Manufacturers Association (APCMA) in a letter to the government said that the payment of $36 million as freight equalisation subsidy to the cement factories will get an additional export earning of $359 million.