The Chinese government seems to be increasingly aware of growing opportunities in the environmental sector. Besides a strong need for conservation for the sake of the populace (notably in water conservation and treatment), as well as the eco-friendly theme of the World Trade Expo 2010, this industry displays much economic potential as well. By the end of August, authorities say the central government had spent 171 billion RMB on public projects, including water treatment for nearly 23 million people. Furthermore, last week a combination of central government, local, and private investments launched 20 venture capital funds to direct capital into emerging high-tech enterprises, including energy conservation and environmental protection.
At the 2nd World Environmental Protection and New Energy Development Conference in Beijing on October 29, secretary-general of the China Center for International Economic Exchanges Wei Jianguo claimed, "To cope with the financial crisis, many countries have been taking the new energy industry as one of the most important measures to expand demand, create jobs and stimulate economic recovery." In addition, China will be hosting the World Lake Conference in Wuxi, and has announced the importance of the environmental topic in its upcoming talk with President Obama. Industries expected to flourish in the future in China include wastewater treatment and solar energy production. It seems that the combination of economic and population needs are encouraging China’s investment in the environmental sector already much advanced by many other nations.
