The Industrial Development Authority's (IDA) deadline for applications for the 14 new cement licences was yesterday, with only three applications submitted, IDA head Ismail Gaber said. The three companies include South Valley Cement Co. and El Sewedy Cement, with each company allowed to apply for a maximum of two licences. Earlier this week, it was reported that several companies were planning on forming consortia to apply as well and had requested a one-month extension. With a current market oversupply, local players do not see enough incentive to grow capacity. (Al Mal, Enterprise)