‘Awareness of construction solutions weak in Pakistan’

LAHORE: The Chief Executive Officer of Sika Pakistan, Naveed Chaudry discussed the use of construction chemicals and construction activity boom in Pakistan in the backdrop of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects.

Q. What about the construction market of Pakistan and its future?

A. Construction sector of Pakistan is growing fast; in fact infrastructure development is the backbone of any economy. Not many construction chemical companies are working in Pakistan. The construction solutions awareness with the effort of Sika is increasing. We have seen people inquiring the quality products on projects, for example, in hospitals and pharmaceuticals companies the users are inquiring for hygiene floors and wall coatings. The company has been providing the same to contribute to a safer environment. Summing it all, Pakistan is an emerging economy with enormous potential, in construction from both residential projects to a mega infrastructure project’s perspective. We are also imparting technical trainings to masons and other construction sector workers about how to apply and use different construction chemicals properly.

Q. What research and development initiatives are taken by the company?

A. Sika’s success is based on its long-lasting tradition of innovation. Worldwide Skia has 1,400 employees in R&D, quality assurance, and technology support. The company is also the largest manufacturer of one-component polyurethane sealants and adhesives worldwide. We have filed about 72 new patent applications every year, and the patent portfolio is constantly growing. Since inception it has filed more than 3,000 patents in the field of construction chemicals. At present it comprises 682 unique patent families with more than 2,600 single national patents.

Q. What are the contributions of Sika to the Pakistani construction industry?

A. The construction sector of Pakistan contributed 2.4 per cent to GDP in FY16. Although the figure is not very big, the housing and construction sector in Pakistan plays an important role in developing aggregate economy and reducing unemployment. Sika has been a part of this and now with the inauguration of new factory we hope to influence this figure even more.

Q. Has Skia established its footprint in Pakistan?

A. Sika has a strong presence on various projects all across Pakistan. You name any construction activity, and we have a product for it. We have worked for Coca Cola Beverages Pakistan for strengthening of concrete beams. We have provided Duber Hydroelectric Plant with swell able water bars and concrete grouting admixtures. We have also provided sealant and bonding solutions for concrete at Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim Plant, Rawalpindi. Our roof waterproofing technology has been used at Kohinoor Maple Leaf Group, Lahore. We are a provider of concrete admixtures and grouts at Emporium Mall under construction by Nishat Group. Sika has also contributed in several projects of national importance which includes Tarbela-4 hydropower, Sukhi Kinari hydropower, Karot hydropower, Patrind Hydropower. Our chemicals have been used in the rehabilitation of various dams and barrages Jinnah Barrage, Head Sulemanki.

Q. How Sika is helping in CPEC progress?

A. Years of research plus decades of practical experience have enabled Sika to develop fully comprehensive systems and solutions to restore, rehabilitate and protect concrete structures. Sika offered globally recognised high quality solutions with European technology made available locally at the project. We ensured convenience of quality solutions and services to meet different requirements of the project. Our customer advice and support is second to none, from concept to successful completion on site. This is all based on more than 100 years of experience on large and small projects all over the world. Sika takes pride to have become a part of project of economic and national importance hence, contributing to the betterment of Pakistan’s construction chemical market.