Date 10 February 2010
In recent years more and more attention has gone to energy conservation and environmental protection in China. Both have become national priorities. Events such as China’s hosting of the 13th World Lake Conference in Wuhan, Hubei province, in the beginning of November 2009 point to this. Among other things, the conference focused on the impact of global warming, wastewater treatment methods, ecosystem sustainability, and pollution control.
The wastewater treatment industry in particular has recently become the recipient of heavy investment, as China’s rapid development has created a fast growing demand for clean water. As part of its 2009 economic stimulus plan, the Chinese central government allocated US$25 billion to public works projects, including water treatment projects for nearly 23 million people, with funds coming from both public and private investors. International companies like Siemens, which recently constructed a US$6 million water treatment plant in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, have begun taking advantage of these emerging opportunities.
Other industries besides wastewater have been targeted for growth. China’s National Development and Reform Commission recently announced US$1.3 billion of new investments in several key high-tech projects, including ones in the environmental protection and energy conservation sectors. Related industries such as solar power have benefitted from this push and are expanding rapidly.
China’s increasing attention to environmental technologies promises many new investment and entry opportunities for foreign players. Developed nations like the US, with many strong players that have developed advanced technology, are particularly well positioned to help meet China’s growing environmental needs.
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