Technology transfer: Chinese make way for new construction technology

Mega mall to bring all modern equipment under one roof

LAHORE: Chinese investors have expressed keen interest in building a mega mall that will house modern construction equipment and enable transfer of modern construction technology to Pakistan.

The interest was expressed by a seven-member delegation of Chinese investors representing Shandong SKL International Trade Limited, led by Shanfeng Xu, in a meeting with Pak-China Joint Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCJCCI) leaders at the chamber’s premises.

The purpose of the visit was to select the site for the ambitious mega project that would allow cutting-edge construction technology to be made available in the country.

The delegation was of the view that construction style in Pakistan was conventional and inefficient. By contrast, Chinese employ highly energy-efficient construction technology and style that could save construction and energy cost in Pakistan by up to 10 times.

The delegates said they were utilising solar and geothermal energy in building structures that maintained comfortable temperatures, both in summer and winter seasons.

Head of the visiting delegation, Shanfeng Xu, stated that China was keen to develop infrastructure facilities in Pakistan as the development of infrastructure was an important component of the construction industry.

He said in order to nurture the industry, China had planned to inculcate modern trends of construction and housing among the common masses. With the involvement of general public, he added, the trends and standards of modern construction would start to reflect in other segments of society.

“We are fully confident that the future of China-Pakistan relationship is broad and bright; we would like to work with Pakistan to translate the grand blueprint formulated by our leaders and our shared dreams into reality in the years to come,” he said.

PCJCCI Senior Vice President Ahmad Faheem Khan, speaking on the occasion, told the Chinese that the housing and construction sector had been identified by the government of Pakistan as the driver of economic growth that was quite encouraging for foreign investors.

He said such a mall would bring all modern equipment under one roof. “This sector has a gigantic impact on economy as millions of jobs can be generated during the chain reaction caused by the construction activity.”

Published in The Express Tribune, November 18^th, 2016.

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