WISCO eyeing overseas iron ore assets

Published: 09 Mar 2009 23:35:45 PST

2009-03-10

WISCO Mar.10 Metalbiz—Wuhan Iron&Steel Group (WISCO) is planning to acquire iron ore assets in Australia and Cambodia, according to its president Deng Qilin.

Deng made his remarks at the sidelines of the ongoing session of the National People's Congress but declined to elaborate further.

Deng, who is also chairman of the China Iron&Steel Association, said iron ore prices in the long-term agreement must be cut this year from a year ago as demand from steel makers in Europe, United States and Japan have fallen.

The company also urged the central government to increase tax rebates on exports of high-end steel products.

Deng expected the country to speed up restructuring in the steel industry through mergers and shutting down backward capacities.