Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez reaffirmed yesterday that the nationalization of his country's cement industry will come into effect this morning.

Chavez made the announcement on his Sunday TV and radio talk show "Alo Presidente" (Hello President).

The move will affect companies that control the country's cement production, including Mexico's Cemex, France's Lafarge and Switzerland's Holcim Ltd.

Chavez first announced the nationalization plan on April 3, when he accused the three companies of impeding the development of the construction industry, saying the cement companies were not producing enough and their products were too expensive.

Energy and Petroleum Minister Rafael Ramires said the Venezuelan government was studying the option of mixed associations.

The Venezuelan government controls 60 percent or more of the cement companies' shares.