Egypt is all set to start operations at a $1.1 billion cement plant in Beni Suef city, located 120 km south of capital Cairo.

It is a venture of El Areesh Cement Company, which is owned by the country's armed forces.

The factory, which has six production lines, will produce 13 million tonnes per year, said a Reuters report.

The Beni Suef plant produced its first clinker in December, while cement production would begin in about 10 days, stated the report, citing an official working at the plant.  

The construction work was completed within one-and-a-half years, it added.